Zhirayr Sefilyan to remain under arrest by Court of Appeal decision

Artsakh war hero, initiator of the New Armenia Public Salvation Front Zhirayr Sefilyan will remain under arrest, according to the decision of the Armenian Court of Appeal. 

"The Armenian Court of Appeal has not changed the First Instance Court's decision on choosing 2-month arrest as a measure of restraint for Zhirayr Sefilyan, who is accused in acquisition and keeping of weapons and ammunition", the statement of the court reads. 

A procession to support Artsakh war hero, initiator of the New Armenia Public Salvation Front Zhirayr Sefilyan was held yesterday in Yerevan. Dozens of people holding posters "We Are All Zhirayrs", "Freedom to Political Prisoners", "Freedom to Hero" made their way from Liberty Square to the Presidential Palace.  The demonstrators demanded immediately releasing Sefilyan and dismissing the criminal case, which they think is framed up.   

On June 20, 2016, Zhirayr Sefilyan was detained on suspicion of organizing a criminal group. 8 persons face charges of acquisition and keeping of weapons and ammunition. 6 have been arrested and 1 is wanted.  According to the Special Investigative Service of Armenia, Sefilyan and his supporters were planning to seize buildings of state importance in early April. Earlier, New Armenia activist Karo Yeghnukyan said that Sefilyan was detained at Sardarapat. The measure of restraint against Sefilyan is a two-month arrest.