“168 Zham” says that it is the opposition leaders remaining at large, and not those under arrest, who must start hunger strikes in protest against the continuing government crackdown on the Armenian opposition. “A hunger strike may be a serious means of struggle if it is declared by leaders of the [Ter-Petrosian’s] movement,” writes the paper. “They would thereby express moral support for those kept in various prisons.

http://www.armenialiberty.org/press/press/en/2008/04/6E5F2478-EA1F-4265-A2D1-517438BA80C3.ASP

SURENIANTS CEASES HUNGER-STRIKE

A1 Plus, 07 April, 2008

Member of the Political Board of the “Hanrapetutiun” (Republic) Party Suren Sureniants has stopped hunger-strike. On the night of April 6 the arrestee’s immune system weakened rapidly.

“It was impossible to continue the hunger-strike in such a state as it might ruin Sureniants’ health,” Armen Khachatrian, member of the pre-election headquarters for Levon Ter-Petrossian informed A1+.

Reminder: Suren Sureniants has been on a hunger-strike since March 24 with a demand to stop political persecution and release him.

We shall learn more details about Sureniants’ state later today after his attorney’s visit to the “Nubarashen” penitentiary institution.

http://www.a1plus.am/en/?page=issue&iid=59235

However, the other demands are in line with CE recommendations and should be met with the exception perhaps of the release of “political prisoners.” Actually, all those not guilty of definite serious crimes such as premeditated violence should be released to ease tensions perhaps.

If that’s the case, all those responsible for violence against opposition protesters AND guilty of electoral violations must ALSO be prosecuted. Basically, the law must apply to all. There can be no exceptions.