UJA condemns arrest of journalist Lilit Aghekyan 

ArmInfo.  The Union of Journalists of Armenia (UJA) issued a statement in connection with the arrest of journalist Lilit Agekyan in Gyumri.. The UJA statement notes that Agekyan was detained late in the evening of May 8.

"After her arrest, Agekyan was not allowed to see her lawyer for a  long time. Agekyan's condition worsened, an ambulance was called for  her, but this did not prevent law enforcement officers from arresting  her for a month. Agekyan was charged under Part 1 of Article 297 of  the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia - hooliganism and Part 2  of Article 489 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia -  disrespect for the court.

The desire to arrest a woman who has an elderly parent in her care  and is known for her opposition views raises doubts in conditions  when, in much more extraordinary cases, the law enforcement system  does not lift a finger if the person who committed the alleged  criminal act is loyal to the authorities," the Union of Journalists  said.

The Union also asked whether it was possible to choose a different  measure of restraint for Agekyan, taking into account the above. "The  Union of Journalists of Armenia will be consistent in its approach to  the processes taking place around Lilit Aghekyan, and ultimately the  public should clearly know whether the reason for her isolation is  aimed at restricting Lilit Aghekyan's speech and activities. It is  obvious that the processes around Aghekyan are devoid of legality and  are discriminatory," the UJA noted.