Human rights organizations' statement on Andrias Ghukasyan's case
Human rights organizations' statement on Andrias Ghukasyan's case: The signing of a cooperation agreement with the European Union raised a wave of acceptance and enthusiasm among the public, which is a rare and remarkable phenomenon for the Republic of Armenia. Civil society expectations from this document first of all reflect the aspirations of the citizens of the country to enjoy free civilian freedoms, equality of rights, transparent and accountable governance in Europe, and we cannot limit the purely economic or geopolitical issues of cooperation. The opposite arrangement of the priorities would deeply disappoint our society, especially its most active part, which would be a mistake with historical implications. We think that the European values are incompatible with the wave of persecution of people with political motives, prejudiced judgments, state-level slander and repression, which, unfortunately, has become a norm in Armenia, a daily expression of power. The existence of political prisoners, including Andrias Ghukasyan, and the authorities for masking political motives appeal to the darkest pages of the history of the past. It is very evident in Andrias Ghukasyan's case. From the initial stage, the facts have been clearly falsified, materials that deny the accusatory hypothesis have been ruled out, all procedural legal requirements have been denied, persons with documented mental disorders and convictions have been involved as the main witnesses, police officers have given inadequate testimony. This is a popular means of pursuing political persecution and at the same time concealing its nature, discrediting European cooperation with Armenia, the attractiveness of European values. This is one of those cases when a citizen of Armenia should feel positive effect of the treaty with the EU, as compared to the dictatorships or the so-called "hybrid" regimes. These facts and circumstances make it necessary to carry out practical steps, so we demand to immediately stop Andrias Ghukasyan's criminal persecution and appeal to you to make an impact on this issue concerning Human Rights. This will surely be a positive and encouraging impetus for Armenian citizens in the understanding of European cooperation. Levon Barseghyan, "ASPAREZ" Journalists Social Organization Avetik Ishkhanyan, Helsinki Committee of Armenia Stepan Danielyan, Collaboration for Democracy Center Haykuhi Harutyunyan, "Rights Protection Without Borders" Artur Sakunts, Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor Hovsep Khurshudyan, "Free Citizens" Civic Initiatives Support Center Vardan Harutyunyan, Right and Freedom Center
