Russian Human Rights Defender Asks Armenian Prosecutor General to Assist in the Release of Mika Badalyan and Ashot Gevorgyan

The Vice President of the Russian branch of the International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, Ivan Melnikov, has appealed to Armenia's Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan, requesting assistance in the release of detained "Sputnik Armenia" journalist Ashot Gevorgyan and pro-Russian blogger Mika Badalyan.

"I urge you to take measures for the release of the journalists, to support them in respecting and protecting their rights, and the right to freedom of speech, including holding accountable those responsible for their detention if violations are found," the letter states.

Listing various international norms, the appeal emphasizes that the illegal criminal prosecution of journalists is unacceptable.

It is noteworthy that earlier reports indicated the detention of pro-Russian blogger Mika Badalyan and Sputnik Armenia columnist Ashot Gevorgyan the day before in Goris. They are accused of illegal weapon circulation. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has provided details regarding the incident.