YEREVAN. – Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party on Thursday issued a statement.

“The Heritage Party welcomed the pre-trial release of its leaders Armen Martirosyan, David Sanasaryan, and Hovsep Khurhsudyan this week. Still, it noted that activist Andrias Ghukasyan remains behind bars.

“Also, instead of dismissing the cases completely (the citizens were taking part in constitutionally-mandated peaceful protests), the prosecution merely released them on a posting of bail, keeping the cases in tack.

“Meanwhile, hundreds of instances of police brutality have gone unpunished. Heritage demands dropping all trumped-up charges against its members, and demands the release of all political prisoners including Ghukasyan. This political persecution has compelled Heritage to suspend its campaigns in the towns of Giumri and Vanadzor, where traditionally it has held significant sway.

“On an unrelated note, the Heritage Party expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of long-time human rights activist Mikayel Danielyan who passed away recently. May they continue his struggle for a better Armenia,” Heritage’s statement reads.