HERITAGE WELCOMES, CONDEMNS, EXTENDS CONDOLENCES

Yerevan, 25 August—The Heritage Party welcomed the pre-trial release of its

leaders Armen Martirosyan, David Sanasaryan, and Hovsep Khurhsudyan

this week. Still, it noted that activist Andrias Ghukasyan remains

behind bars. Also, instead of dismissing the cases completely (the

citizens were taking part in constitutionally-mandated peaceful

protests), the prosecution merely released them on a posting of bail,

keeping the cases in tack. Meanwhile, hundreds of instances of police

brutality have gone unpunished. Heritage demands dropping all

trumped-up charges against its members, and demands the release of all

political prisoners including Ghukasyan. This political persecution

has compelled Heritage to suspend its campaigns in the towns of Giumri

and Vanadzor, where traditionally it has held significant sway.

On an unrelated note, the Heritage Party expresses its condolences to

the family and colleagues of long-time human rights activist Mikayel

Danielyan who passed away recently. May they continue his struggle

for a better Armenia.

- Social