OEK condemns harassment against politicians and public figures
The political council of the Country of Law Party (OEK) today convened a sitting which was chaired by OEK Leader Arthur Baghdasaryan. The participants of the sitting condemned the recent attacks and violence against citizens, civil activists and political figures, including the kidnapping of BHK member Artak Khachatryan. The party condemns any encroachment upon RA citizens, especially public and political figures. OEK finds it unacceptable that certain forces are attempting to silence people’s voice of protest through violence and intimidation. “The frequent attacks on political and civil figures as well as activists can have dangerous consequences for Armenia in view of ensuring an atmosphere of social solidarity, democracy and human rights protection in the country. Law enforcement agencies should take the necessary measures to completely disclose the incident, identify those guilty and make them accountable for the attack, thereby excluding a repeat of similar attacks in the future. Otherwise, an atmosphere of impunity and violence will be formed in the country. Any attempt to seed hostility and hatred inside the country is a serious threat to our national security, given the external challenges and the deepening social and economic conditions,” said the party. Hundreds of citizens today gathered outside the government building in Yerevan to protest the kidnapping and beating of Artak Khachatryan, a member of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK). Khachatryan was attacked on Saturday afternoon in Yerevan by masked men who forced him into a car and took him to an unknown direction. He was later found near his home in an unconscious state and brutally beaten up. Many believe that Khachatryan was attacked because of his participation in protests against the government-submitted law on the sales tax.
