HAK rally invigorates protesters
Inspired by the fresh opposition rally at “recaptured” Liberty Square, the relatives of the March 1 victims today gathered outside the Prosecutor General’s Office calling for the release of the political prisoners.
They are hopeful that the authorities will finally listen to their demands and free the people arrested for their political views after the deadly evenst of March 1, 2008.
"The authorities have nothing else to do but release the political prisoners under the pressure of thousands of people. As Nikol Pashinyan would say, "Our struggle cannot be quelled," said Mariam Ezakyan.
Present in the protest was Pashinyan's aunt who said that Pashinyan would spend a long time in the prison cell.
"Pashinyan will not be freed unless the authorities step down. The regime is scared by Pashinyan's articles. I still cannot understand why they imprisoned Nikol," she said.
Aram Manukyan, the chairman of the Armenian Pan-National Movement (HHSh), said yesterday's rally was a message to the Armenian authorities and European structures as the release of the political prisoners stems from their interests.
"If the Armenian leadership does not seek new coflicts, they should demonstrate discretion and meet the opposition halfway," Manukyan told A1+.
Two opposition loyalists, Harutyun Urustyan and Roman Mnatsakanyan were released from jail on Thursday.
On March 17, thousands of opposition ralliers defied a government ban to pour into Liberty Square for the first time in three years after the square was closed for antigovernment protests by the main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK).
After brief negotiations with protest organizers, riot police allowed the crowd to enter Liberty Square and celebrate what the HAK described as a major "victory."
