Announcement Regarding Tigran Arakelyan

Statement

Youth movement activist Tigran Arakelyan has been in detention for about two and a half months on charges of resisting police officers. On July 1, 2009 Tigran Arakelyan was distributing leaflets on Abovyan Street advertising upcoming rally for the Armenian National Congress with fellow activists when police officers in civilian clothing attacked and severely beat the young men publicizing the event. During the attack, Tigran Arakelyan sustained a serious head injury when an officer struck him with the handle of his revolver. As a result of the assault, Tigran Arakelyan was taken to the hospital by ambulance. On July 5, 2009 Tigran Arakelyan was summoned to Yerevan’s Kentron administrative district police department, ostensibly as the victim of the attack, but after several hours of interrogation and confrontation with the officers involved in the fight, he instead stood accused, charged with “offering resistance to a representative of authorities” under Article 258, section 3, subsection 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Tigran Arakelyan was subsequently taken to “Nubarashen” penitentiary, but on July 16, the 12th day of his detention, having suffered nervous shock, he was moved to the “Hospital for Convicts” penal institution. Currently, Tigran Arakelyan remains in the “Hospital for Convicts” because his health has deteriorated, suffering from worsening eyesight, dizziness and weakness. However, since his illness has not been diagnosed, Arakelyan has not yet received the necessary treatment to recover from his affliction. In order to receive a proper medical examination he must be taken to a civic hospital. Tigran Arakelyan’s case requires swift intervention to ensure fair pre-trial and change of the measure of restraint to prevent the further deterioration of his health. September 18, 2009 Armenia “Transparency International Anti-corruption Center” NGO “Helsinki Committee of Armenia” NGO “Civil Society Institute” NGO “Huys” NGO “People are the Masters of Our Country” Organization “Lawyers for Human Rights” NGO “Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Office” NGO ““Asparez” Journalists’ Club” NGO “We Plus” NGO “Arena of Education” NGO