12:09, 26 April 2004

Armenian rights defenders consider beating of Ashot Manucharian part of common scenario

A brutal act of violence against Ashot Manucharian, the known Armenian public and political figure, is part of a unified scenario, reads the statement by a number of Armenian large human rights organizations, which rate the attack on Ashot Manucharian as being directly linked to his public and political work.

"This case blends with the context of recent developments in Armenia. It was preceded by the violence against opposition deputy Viktor Dallakian, human rights activist Mikael Danielian, participants in peaceful meetings, and journalists covering the actions. Those who plan and execute this scenario should understand that their plans are doomed to failure from the very beginning and all the attempts to silence free thought and free speech in such a way will fail," reads the statement.

To remind, three unknowns attacked head of the Armenian Union of Socialist Forces, ex-minister of foreign affairs, and former national security advisor to the president of Armenia Ashot Manucharian on April 22. He was hospitalized with fractures of facial bones.

Editors note: See also the article "Outstanding politician savagely beaten in Yerevan".

Source: Rosbalt News Agency