Turkish citizen seeking asylum in Armenia flown to another country
17.20 Turkish citizen Robin Salmi left Armenia this morning after staying in the country for eight days. The Turkish opposition figure left Armenia by plane. It is still unknown which country he was taken from Armenia. 12.25 This night, human rights activist Artur Sakunts posted a statement on his Facebook page adressing the Armenian Police. “At present, you are keeping under your control Robin Salmi, a citizen of Turkey who fled to Georgia and then came to Armenia. He was in the hands of the National Security for seven days. Currently, he is in the transit zone of Zvartnots airport. He speaks Turkish and English. Robin Salmi is a political activist and fled Turkey because of political persecution. If you return him to Turkey, he can face numerous dangers, including imprisonment, violence, etc. According to the Armenian Constitution, individuals subject to political persecution in other countries have the right to ask for political asylum when they are frightened to live in their own country and Robin Salmi should be granted such asylum. I informed the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) and the NSS about the problem,” Mr. Sakunts wrote. The human rights activist also addressed the authorities and law enforcement bodies of Armenia. “Robin Salmi is a representative of the political opposition and was released from prison this year. His return to Turkey would endanger his life. His return or handover to Turkey will be a gross violation of human rights,” he said.
