Detention of New Armenia Front co-founder, Artsakh War hero, Zhirayr Sefilyan is politically motivated, says Armen Martirosyan, Vice Chairman of Heritage Party, a member of New Armenia Front.
Talking to ArmInfo on June 20, Martirosyan said Sefilyan's arrest is another display of the continuous political persecutions against him. "I think, his detention is connected with the ceding of the territories or any other inadmissible concessions to which Sefilyan opposed. Therefore, the authorities have removed that obstacle from their way," Martirosyan said.
Meantime, Gagik Minasyan, Secretary of the Republic Party of Armenia faction in the parliament says Sefilyan's detention must be considered in the legal field only. He disagrees with Martirosyan's views. "Not everything that happens in the country is connected with the Karabakh conflict, and much less Sefilyan's arrest is. This is a legal issue. I can provide no more comments on it," the Republican politician says.
New Armenia Front co-founder, Artsakh War hero, Zhirayr Sefilyan was detained today on June 20 on suspicion of organizing a criminal group. A criminal case based on Article 235.2 was initiated. Investigation found out that Zhirayr Sefilyan with a group of persons planned an armed seizure of buildings, communications, and the Television of Armenia and acquired illegally the necessary weapons and ammunition. Zirayr Sefilyan was detained on June 20. Eight persons faced charges for illegal acquisition and keeping of weapons, another 6 were arrested, while one is wanted. The charges are based on the proofs collected and the testimonies of the group members. The investigation continues. It is noteworthy that the meeting of the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Saint Petersburg is scheduled for June 20.