Nikol Pashinian prefers custody
Editor of Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol Pashinian has issued the following statement today:
"I have been carrying out covert activity since March 2, 2008 and now I have decided to continue my struggle in custody. I have always thought of it but the idea came to me after the recent developments in Armenia. In the past, I feared lest my surrender should give a blow to the Pan-National Movement.
But now I feel no fear or menace hanging over the Movement as many political prisoners, members of the Movement, have been amnestied. It really gives a new stimulus to the Movement and to the Armenian national Congress.
Hence, I announce proudly that it is high time I became a political prisoner. My decision is conditioned by my profound desire to continue the political struggle efficiently. During the 1.3 year I have actively worked for Haykakan Zhamanak, made an address to Armenian citizens on Public Television and launched a new website with the help of my friends. I have had contacts with the site visitors, answered their numerous questions, and placed secret photos.
Everything was done to prove that our struggle is ongoing and no one can stop us. We shall struggle till the end- be it in the air, in the water or on the land. We shall struggle by the time Armenia gets rid of this gang rule and lawlessness, by the time we create a free and happy Armenia where every and each Armenian will feel safe and sound.
My political comrades could now participate in the struggle outside a jail cell while I would do the same from the inside.
The struggle needs a fresh impetus and I believe that my friends will provide it in freedom. For now, I cannot say when I shall stop my underground activities. I haven't decided any date. I fully realise that my decision has aroused numerous questions with my adherents, site visitors and our citizens. You can send all your questions to www.nikol.am, www.nikolpashinyan.com and I shall try to answer them as quickly as possible.
In the end, I would like to urge HAK's activists and adherents to continue the struggle with their heads up and in high spirits. Our struggle cannot be subdued. We shall win."
