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THEY DEMAND POLITICAL ASYLUM FOR ZHIRAIR SEFILIAN

Politics

“We demand to cease ongoing “chases” against Zhirair Sefilian and to grant him a residence permit in the Republic of Armenia,” said the adherents of Sefilian. On May 26 the Committee supporting Sefilian handed an open letter to the Armenian leadership and representatives of international structures. The protest action started from the OSCE Yerevan office.

“Zhirair Sefilian is chased for his political standing. We urge you to stop the ongoing persecution and prevent Sefilian’s banishment from the Republic of Armenia as it is a rough breach of human rights,” runs the letter.

Sefilian is prosecuted for his announcement “to smash the heads of those who would dare to surrender the liberated territories and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,” reminded the presentees.

“The problem refers to all Karabakh war veterans including Zhirair Sefilian. We call your attention to Sefilian’s deeds while considering the issue of granting Sefilian a political asylum,” said veteran Robert Hairumian in the name of Sefilian’s proponents.

Former Mayor of Goris Town, Samvel Harutiunian said, “Eveybody knows that the authorities started in pursuit of Zhirair Sefilian long ago. Sefilian played a significant role in the proclamation of the NKR independence in 1992. The NKR President made a wise and fair decision that Sefilian should settle in the lands liberated by him. The President thought his decision would contribute to NKR’s resettlement with Diaspora Armenians.”

Reminder, the term of Sefilian’s detention expires on June 9. In case the Administrative Court upholds the authorities’ motion to expel Sefilian, the family will have to leave Armenia where they have spent 17 years of their lives.

Sefilian’s wife Nanor informed A1+ that she has no intention to move elsewhere with her two underage children.

“The country doesn’t belong to Serzh Sarkissian, Robert Kocharian and Alvina Zakarian. The country belongs to ordinary people. The illegitimate authorities tarnish the countries reputation,” said Sefilian’s wife.