Vahagn Chakhalyan refused to plead guilty
The family of Javakhk-based political activist of Armenian origin Vahagn Chakhalyan, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Georgian authorities, continues to live in Akhalkalaki without participating in political and ethnic events.
We met Chakhalyan's father Ruben Chakhalyan in the street. He reluctantly answered our questions, saying he was worried about the fate of his younger son, Armen Chakhalyan, who was also accused of illegal acquisition of ammunition and released on bail.
Ruben Chakhalyan says Vahagn continues to remain faithful to his ideas.
"On July 12, a representative of the Council of Europe proposed that Vahagn plead guilty and sign a document, after which he would be sent home, but Vahagn refused his proposal," said the father adding that Vahagn's struggle is pointless without the support from Armenia.
"When I learnt about his refusal, I condemned Vahagn for the decision. I said, "My son, you have left your family. To heck with Javakheti, Georgia and Armenia," said the desperate father.
Ruben Chakhalyan says that only those who have jobs are content with Georgian authorities.
"The reforms going on in Javakheti are formal. In fact, people continue to live in the atmosphere of fear in Javakheti. Mikhail Saakashvili [Georgian President] is trying to prove that the complaints of local Armenians, in particular those of Vahagn Chakhalyan, are unfounded," he said.
Vahagn Chakhalyan, Leader of the "United Javakhk" Democratic Alliance was arrested in 2009 and charged with deforcement, storage of weapons and organization of riots.
