Artsakh President Requests Review of Avetik Chalabyan's Detention Measures

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has issued a statement on his Facebook page regarding the detention of Avetik Chalabyan.

The post states: “Dear compatriots, on May 14 of this year, Avetik Chalabyan, one of the dedicated friends of the Republic of Artsakh and the people of Artsakh, was detained. He has played an invaluable role in the modernization and improvement of the Artsakh security system. A true patriot, a public figure, and a co-founder of the ‘ARAR’ foundation, under Avetik Chalabyan’s leadership, various crucial programs and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting our national values and improving the security components of the Republic of Artsakh have been implemented and continue to be pursued. Many of these programs are not often publicized, yet they are palpable for the residents of Artsakh and require continuity.

Personally knowing and trusting Avetik Chalabyan, and deeply appreciating his work, values, and exceptional human qualities, I request on behalf of the people of Artsakh and myself that the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Armenia reconsider the appropriateness and necessity of the measure to keep him in detention, and also ensure a complete, objective, and multifaceted investigation that meets all conditions of legality and justice.

It is important to note that on May 12, 2022, criminal proceedings were initiated against Avetik Chalabyan under Article 163, Part 3, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, which stipulates responsibility for coercing participation in a gathering or providing material incentives for participation or refusal to participate in a gathering with respect to two or more individuals. He has been detained.