Zhirayr Sefilyan faces new charges

ArmInfo. The charges  instituted against New Armenia movement coordinator Zhirayr Sefilyan  have been increased with a new accusation - now Sefilyan is also  charged with preparations for seizure of buildings, which stipulates  5-8-year imprisonment, Sefilyan's wife Nanor Sefilyan says on  Facebook.    

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. Two-month arrest has been chosen as a  measure of restraint against Sefilyan, however, his supporters think  the case was a frame-up and the arrest was political persecution for  his political views, activities and statements about the territorial  losses the Armenian side suffered during the April war. In July 2016,  Sefilyan's supporters from Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoon) group  seized a police compound in Erebuni district of Yerevan. On October  17, the court of Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun administrative districts  extended Sefilyan's arrest for two months.