Neither foreign nor domestic forces were behind Shan Harutyunyan's actions. It was his heart cry, Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Chairman of the Heritage Party, said at a press conference in Yerevan, Thursday.
"I feel big respect for Shant Harutyunyan. By his actions he wanted to show that he cannot stand the situation in the country any more", said Martirosyan. He added that Harutyunyan's initiative was doomed to failure but he was able to make people understand his idea.
The politician stressed that the radical sentiments in the Armenian society are increasing. He recalled that during Heritage Leader Raffi Hovannisian's visits to Armenia's provinces they met citizens who were disappointed in the political fight and thought that rallies would give nothing and that only weapons would solve the problems. "There are different methods of struggle. As for me, I advocate the citizens' active participation in the political processes. They should join forces to overthrow the incumbent power", he said.
To recall, dozens of policemen and activists were injured as a result of the clashes that followed a demonstration organized in the center of Yerevan in support of activist Shant Harutyunyan, on 5 November. Over 20 activists have been detained. Fourteen activists are charged with Article 316.2 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (violence against a representative of the authorities) and are facing 5-10 years in prison.