Javakhk Needs Help Of The Whole Armenian World

[hracher]

JAVAKHK NEEDS HELP OF THE WHOLE ARMENIAN WORLD

Dear compatriots,

The democratic alliance “United Javakhk”, a grassroots NGO striving to defend human rights of Javakhk’s Armenians, was attacked and crashed without any solid legal ground by Georgian special operations unit in the city of Akhalkalak.

Brief chronology of events:

July 17

An explosion near the house of Akhlkalak chief of police Samvel Petrosyan. It’s allegedly a provocation set by Georgian special operations units, giving the ground to a massive attack against local Armenian public initiative organizations

July 17 - 18

Attack on the house of Gurgen Shirinyan (member of “United Javakhk” alliance, head of local Armenian Scouts Movement) by Georgian special operations units with the support of local police. Shirinyan’s relatives beaten. One Armenian police (Arthur Berujanyan) killed under unclear circumstances during the attack. Weapons found at Shirinyan’s dwelling were allegedly planted by Georgian special operations unit to make the case against him. Shirinyan went on a hide-out to the local mountains.

July 18 - 19

Random arrests of “United Javakhk’s” members in the city of Akhalkalak. Warrantless searches in their houses, etc.

July 20

Killing of yet another Armenian police officer (Armen Gabrielyan) under unspecified circumstances. He was last seen entering the abandoned house in the outskirts of Akhalkalak, accompanied by Georgian special operations unit. It is alleged the this Armenian police officer was eliminated as a witness of the killing of the first police officer by Georgian special operations unit during the attacj of Gurgen Shininyan’s house.

July 20 – 21

Arrest of “United Javakhk” leader – Vahagn Chakhlyan and members of his family (brother Armen Chakhalyan, father Rouben Chakhalyan). Beating the members of his family. Searching his house without formal legal ground and without maintenance of the due procedure.

At the current moment:

• Javakhk region is infiltrated by over 500 Georgian special operations unit members;

• Over 20 members of “United Javakhk were thrown to jail without due course of law;

• Local internet provider and local radio station (maintained by “United Javakhk”) is controlled by Georgian operatives;

• The office of “United Javakhk” had been illegally searched and weapons were “found”;

• The people of Akhlkalak and its population is under the constant threat of a illegal arrests, beatings and other violations of human rights;

• Local media outlets are shut down; Armenian and Georgian media and state authorities do not comment the situation.

ACT NOW!

Call your local Armenian grassroots organizations.

Spread the word about the injustice in Javakhk.

Protest mass arrests, beatings and killings in the region.

Demand Georgian authorities to free the arrested “Unified Javakhk” members.

Demand adequate investigation of the matter by combined Armenian-Georgian task force.

Don’t let down the last peace of Western Armenia!