Heritage: Regime sees only salvation in intimidation of public
The Heritage Party condemns the arrest of members of the radical opposition Founding Parliament group. In a statement issued on April 8, the party says the regime sees the only way of its salvation in the intimidation of people. "Several members of the radical opposition Founding Parliament group were detained on April 7. The Investigative Committee of Armenia said the detentions took place within the framework of a criminal investigation conducted in connection with possible ‘mass disturbances’ planned during public events scheduled for April 24 – the day when Armenians worldwide will be commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Genocide The Heritage party condemns the illegal steps of law enforcement agencies and says this chain of violence speaks to the failures of the current regime in all spheres. In order to retain their power the authorities began intimidating people. The party demands that the regime be guided by the Constitution and laws, avoid violating human rights and fundamental freedoms and refrain from political persecution and not to interfere with peaceful rallies. The party also urges the authorities to honour people’s demand and step down otherwise the country will appear in turmoil, we shall all witness unpredictable developments and new losses, the responsibility of which will lie on the acting regime. The party thinks the only adequate response to these illegal and continuous actions of the regime is to organize a united revolt of people and political forces and an immediate change of power, restore constitutional order, establish legitimate and democratic government and ensure the rule of law," reads the statement. Representatives of the radical opposition Founding Parliament group Jirair Sefilian, Varuzhan Avetisyan, Gevorg Safaryan, Aram Hakobyan, Hovhannes Ghazaryan, Pavel Manukyan, Garegin Chukaszyan were detained on April 7. The report of the Investigative Committee of Armenia said the detained activists have been charged with planning to organize 'mass disturbances.'
