HAK: "This is absolute cynicism"
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) has issued a statement condemning recent police violence against the jailed editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper Nikol Pashinyan.
"The regime's treatment of Pashinyan clearly shows that he is being held as a political prisoner. Despite their promises, they have deprived Pashinyan of the right to correspondence and banned even the use of stationary," reads the statement.
HAK considers such treatment as a gross violation of the constitutional rights and a serious breach of law by prison authorities.
"This inhumane act is jointly carried out by Serzh Sargsyan, Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan and Head of Penitentiary Department Hayk Harutyunyan and Director of Artik penitentiary Vardan Sargsyan," says the statement.
"The Armenian National Congress realizes the fears of the regime and condemns the disgraceful act. This absolute cynicism is directed not only against Nikol Pashinyan but also all journalists and human rights and international organizations whose failure to make a response raises doubts."
