Journalists of Armenia call to cancel Nichol Pashinyan's arrest

A number of Armenian mass media have adopted a joint appeal to Armenian authorities asking to change the freedom restriction measure applied to Nichol Pashinyan, an activist of the opposition and editor-in-chief of the newspaper named "Aikakan Zhamanak" (Armenian Time).

The authors of the joint statement remind that on July 1 Pashinyan voluntarily appeared to law enforcement bodies and was immediately arrested.

"We cannot agree with the prejudiced approach applied to our colleague, editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Aikakan Zhamanak" and to politician Nichol Pashinyan," the media professionals write.

In their opinion, the court has failed to account that in relation of those in search the amnesty can be applied should they voluntarily come to law enforcement bodies before July 31.

"We call the authorities to change his freedom restriction measure and hold a preliminary investigation of presented charges, while Pashinyan is at large," runs the statement signed by the newspapers "Aikakan Zhamanak", "Chorord Ishkhanutyun", "Aravot", "Graparak", "168 Hours" and "Aik", Internet editions "Taregir", "А1+" and "Lragir", and other media, as well as a number of journalists' organizations, including the Yerevan Press Club, Union of Investigating Journalists", Committee in Defence of Freedom of Speech and Gyumri-based Press Club "Asparez".