YEREVAN. - Armenian political prisoners of Soviet period - Vardan Harutyunyan, Paruyr Hayrikyan, Azat Arshakyan and Razmik Markosyan - published a message with condolences on decease of famous human rights defender Elena Bonner.

“We, political prisoners of Soviet period, express our sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of Elena Bonner. She was one of the most famous human rights defenders in Soviet Union, a firm and resolute person. Each of us felt her protection and support at the time. The need of her uncompromising struggle is dire even today,” reads the message.

The widow of Soviet academician and human rights defender Andrey Sakharov, Elena Bonner passed away on June 17 in Boston.