ArmInfo.The ARAR Foundation has released a joint statement by the partners who implemented programs for Armenia with the co-founder of the ARAR Foundation and member of thee 5165 Movement Avetik Chalabyan.
According to the statement, the charges brought against Mr Chalabyan and the court decision on his arrest arouse suspicion and are unacceptable to many both in Armenia and in the Diaspora.
The decision to take him into custody for two months actually implies that Armenia's judicial system considers Avetik Chalabyan dangerous.
"We, the undersigned, who personally know Avetik, highly appreciate his patriotic activities and investments, professional skills and business contacts in the world, believe that what happened to him not only demonstrates a certain attitude to political dissent, but is also a great blow to repatriation, Armenia's security and reputation.
"We guarantee that Avetik not only does not pose a threat to our country and people, but the presence of people like him in our lives inspires hope that we can have a different Armenia in terms of quality and morals.
"We are calling on the Armenian authorities to revise their decision and release Avetik Chalabyan as soon as possible," reads a statement signed by 85 people representing business circles, fields of science and technology, culture and the clergy.
The statement was signed by Davit Pakhchanyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ARAR Foundation, Co-Founder of "AYB" Educational Foundation, businessman Arthur Alaverdyan, member of the Board of Trustees of ARAR Foundation, businessman Manuk Hergnyan, member of the Board of Trustees of the ARAR Foundation Igor Zargaryan, member of the Board of Trustees of ARAR Foundation, businessman Armen Khachikyan, Director of ARAR Foundation, sociologist Aram Pakhchanyan, teacher Arthur Janibekyan, producer David Yang, co-founder of ABBYY, Ruben Vardanyan, Public figure Vardan Marashlyan, Director of the Return to Armenia Foundation and others.