Levon Barseghyan arrested for his boisterous speeches at mass rallies
Human rights defenders and activists consider the arrest of Levon Barseghyan, Chairman of Gyumri-based Asparez Club, ‘revenge by the authorities.’ “Levon Barseghyan made boisterous speeches at recent mass demonstrations, becoming a target for the law enforcement agencies. The knife [found in his pocket] was simply a formal justification,” says activist Zaruhi Hovhannisyan. Human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanyan adds, “I do not like using labels but they have exceeded all limits. The arrest of a prominent civic campaigner and journalist without any grounds is unacceptable.” Levon Barseghyan, who addressed rallies on on Khorenatsi Street in recent days, was arrested on Tuesday and was charged with illegal possession of a weapon (knife), which he has been carrying for more than ten years. His arrest caused a public outcry with many demanding the immediate release of the journalist. A little while ago, A1+ learnt from the Investigative Committee that the results of the examination showed that the knife was not a cold weapon.
