RPA vows legal, international efforts to free political prisoners

The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) said on Saturday it would use all lawful means, including international advocacy, to seek the release of political prisoners in Armenia, expressing concern over the health of jailed opposition podcaster Narek Samsonyan.

The statement followed a meeting of the RPA Executive Body, which discussed recent regional developments and domestic political issues, the party said in a statement.

The Executive Body also reviewed the party’s potential participation in Armenia’s next parliamentary elections but decided to continue internal discussions and announce a final decision at a later date.

The party said it was “deeply concerned” by a sharp deterioration in Samsonyan’s health. Samsonyan launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest against the extension of his and his fellow podcast co-host Vazgen Saghatelyan's unlawful detention.

“Reaffirming its absolute solidarity with Narek Samsonyan and other political prisoners in Armenia, the RPA Executive Body pledged to fight for their release by all legal and available means, including the use of international ties,” reads the statement.