VIDEO: 'The basis for the arrest is that Gayane could kidnap Ashot Pashinyan again if she is free,' lawyer says

The mother of fallen soldier Zhora Martirosyan, Gayane Hakobyan, officially announced a hunger strike. This was stated by lawyer Vahan Hovhannisyan during a press conference with journalists outside the National Assembly on May 18.

He mentioned that the mother of the deceased has been on hunger strike since yesterday afternoon at 3:00 PM. "She has stated that she has numerous health issues and holds the Republic of Armenia, represented by the relevant authorities, responsible for any threat to her life," Hovhannisyan said.

The lawyer indicated that they are currently preparing to contest the legality of the arrest: "Since Mrs. Gayane's life is in danger under hunger strike conditions." According to Hovhannisyan, the grounds for the arrest are unlawful and ridiculous: "The basis for arrest is escape and the second ludicrous reason is that Gayane could kidnap Ashot Pashinyan again if she remains free," he stated.

He noted that a request for a confrontation has been submitted as early as last night around 11:00 PM. "Ashot Pashinyan, as a victim, does not have the right to refuse a confrontation. The issue is about the timing of when it will take place."

It is recalled that on May 17, the newspaper 'Haykakan Zhamanak,' owned by the Prime Minister's family, reported that members of the NGO 'Call of the Sons' attempted to kidnap the Prime Minister's son. According to the newspaper, the parents of fallen soldiers forced Ashot Pashinyan to get into their car, but he managed to escape from their vehicle, which later led to him being hit by another vehicle following them.

Ashot Pashinyan filed a report regarding the incident. The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case under the article concerning kidnapping, and one person, Gayane Hakobyan, has been arrested.

Additionally, human rights defender Ruben Melikyan reported that Gayane Hakobyan's health has deteriorated, and she was transported to Erebuni Medical Center by ambulance under police escort. It was announced in the morning that Gayane Hakobyan has been transferred from Erebuni Medical Center to a detention facility.