Intellectuals did not remain indifferent
Scores of Armenian intellectuals today held a protest action near the Statue of Komitas in support of Haykakan Zhamanak daily editor Nikol Pashinyan.
"It is shameful for us to have political prisoners in Armenia. The authorities must immediately release all of them," said People's Artist of Armenia Varduhi Varderesyan.
Film Director Tigran Khzmalyan says Nikol has become a symbol of freedom and the intellectuals gathered near the statue are struggling for their own freedom.
"Any person who remains indifferent to Nikol's imprisonment is a prisoner himself," said actor Ashot Adamyan.
The intellectuals are determined to continue protests until all political prisoners are freed.
After the action the protesters issued a joint statement.
"The recent attacks on Haykakan Zhamanak editor Nikol Pashinyan have aroused deep concern among Armenian intellectuals. They suggest that the authorities can not ensure Nikol's safety in prison. Moreover, there is concern that the attacks were well planned and aimed to threaten the journalist.
We believe that Armenia has no alternative to democratic development. A country professing European values cannot hold a journalist in custody, contrary to international norms and public opinion.
We demand the immediate release of Haykakan Zhamanak editor, pursuant to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe," reads the statement.
