Armenian opposition podcaster discharged from hospital, moved to house arrest

Armenian opposition podcaster Narek Samsonyan has been discharged from the Izmirlian Medical Center and transferred to his residence to continue serving house arrest under strict restrictions.

Samsonyan had been hospitalized after spending 15 days on a hunger strike launched in protest against the extension of his detention. He later underwent surgery at the hospital.

Speaking briefly after his discharge, Samsonyan said he is not permitted to communicate but noted that he is now able to walk.

On January 9, a Yerevan court extended by three months the pretrial detention of Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, co-hosts of the Imnemnimi podcast. Later on February 19, the Court of Appeals replaced Samsonyan’s detention with house arrest subject to strict limitations.

The two opposition podcasters have been charged with hooliganism following a complaint filed by National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan.