Jailed Armenian activist says authorities provoked him after court hearing

Jailed opposition activist Vahagn Chakhalyan says that he has faced escalating provocations by authorities during his detention, claiming the situation worsened after a court hearing on December 4.

Chakhalyan was detained in July on charges of plotting terrorism and seeking to overthrow the government as part of a criminal investigation into an alleged coup attempt by the Holy Struggle movement. His lawyer reported on Saturday that the activist had been placed in solitary confinement.

In a statement from the Nubarashen Penitentiary, Chakhalyan, founder of the Kamq (Will) civic initiative, said he had tried to remain calm during five months in custody but warned that new criminal cases could be brought against him.

“Throughout my detention, the regime holding me hostage has repeatedly resorted to various provocations, but they have taken on an unprecedented character since the court hearing held on December 4,” Chakhalyan said.

“I have done my best to keep my composure and reasonably avoid the potential consequences of the provocations,” he added. “At the same time, I realize that if the regime decides to fabricate new charges and keep me detained, it is fully capable of doing so.”

Chakhalyan said he would hold senior officials personally responsible should new charges be brought against him, naming the heads of Armenia’s National Security Service, Ministry of Justice, Penitentiary Service and Human Rights Defender’s office.

“If a new criminal case is initiated, responsibility will rest entirely with these officials,” he said.