In defence of Arman Babajanian
Three years ago, on June 26, editor-in-chief of Zhamanak newspaper Arman Babajanian was taken under detention. A group of organizations have released a statement in this respect.
"Arman Babajanian, the editor-in-chief of Zhamanak newspaper, was arrested on June 26, 2006. Over the last three years different international and local organizations have called for the chief editor's immediate release.
Armenian authorities couldn't realize that repressive measures and violence against freedom of speech, human rights and freedoms mar the country's reputation worldwide. Our authorities who tried their utmost to silence freedom of speech put democratic and humane values in Armenia into question.
Under the court verdict Arman Babajanian will be freed in September of the current year. We do hope that our authorities will sober up and let Babajanian resume his creative activities.
We voice support for Arman Babajanian for the sake of democracy, human rights protection and freedom of expression in Armenia," runs the statement.
President of A1+ Company Mesrop Movsesyan
Editor of Haykakan Zhamanak daily Hayk Gevorgyan
Editor-in-chief of Aravot daily Aram Abrahamyan
Editor-in-chief of 168 Zham newspaper Satenik Seyranyan
Editor-in-chief of Hayq daily Gegham Nazaryan
Editor-in-chief of of Taregir newspaper Vasak Darbinyan
Editor of Lragir.am Internet website Haykazn Ghahriyan
Staff of Zhamanak daily
