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Arman Bababjanian Will Not Be Released

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  • Arman Bababjanian Will Not Be Released

    ARMAN BABAJANIAN WILL NOT BE RELEASED

    A1+
    18 July, 2008

    On July 18 over thirty Armenian citizens crowded near the
    Penitentiary Department of the RoA Ministry of Justice with posters,
    "Freedom of Speech," "Free Armenia," "Free Political Prisoner Arman
    Babajanian." Meanwhile the Interdepartmental Independent Commission
    on pre-term release was considering the preterm release of Arman
    Babajanian, editor-in-chief of Zhamanak Yerevan daily. The application
    on Babajanian's pre-term release had been submitted to the Commission
    by the administration of the penitentiary institution.

    The commission features representatives of the President's Personnel,
    Human Rights Ombudsman's Office, Police, Advocates' Chamber,
    penitentiary institutions and a psychologist.

    After the closed sitting member of the Advocates' Chamber Georgy
    Gyulkhanian told "Zharangutiun" MP Zaruhi Postanjian that five out
    of the six members had voted against Babajanian's release.

    "Most likely, only the representative of the Ombudsman's Office
    voted for Babajanian's release as the Office had announced its stance
    beforehand," said Zaruhi Postanjian.

    "Shame on you!" shouted the protesters the moment the commission
    members were leaving the building.

    "Is Babajanian a real criminal? There are two criminals in this
    country-Serzh Sarkissian and Robert Kocharian. Why don't you imprison
    them?" wondered a woman-protester.

    Babajanian's mother called at that moment to learn the commission's
    decision.

    "We can appeal the decision at the Constitutional Court and we are
    going to," Zaruhi Postanjian tried to console the woman.

    Reminder, Arman Babajanian was sentenced to a 3.5 years of
    imprisonment. He was charged with an evasion of compulsory military
    service. The previous two applications on Babajanian's pre-term
    release were turned down.
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