Armenia: organizer of "Million Mask March" sentenced to six years of imprisonment

In Yerevan, the court of first instance of the administrative districts of Kentron-Nork-Marash has sentenced Shant Arutyunyan, the leader of the "Tsegakron" Party, who organized the "Million Mask March", to six years of imprisonment. The other defendants were sentenced to different terms of imprisonment.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 5, 2013, Yerevan hosted the "Million Mask March". After the protesters entered into a confrontation with the police, Shant Arutyunyan, the leader of the "Tsegakron" Party, and 19 other protesters were detained. Of them, 14 persons were then charged with resisting law enforcers with use of violence. On March 31, the charge was changed to the article on disorderly conduct.

Vage Mkrtchyan got the most severe punishment: he was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment on charge of rendering resistance to the police and disorderly conduct (Articles 316 and 258 of the Criminal Code of Armenia).

Shagen, a 15-year-old son of Shant Arutyunyan, was sentenced by the court to four years of conditional imprisonment.

Misak Arakelyan, who was under recognizance not to leave, was fined 50,000 drams.

Advocates of the defendants have announced the intention to appeal against the court's decision.

Let us remind you that at the court hearing held on October 16, participants of the "Million Mask March" claimed that their march was held against Armenia's accession to the Customs Union and that their position was the reason for the political persecution.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.