YEREVAN. - Armenian human rights defenders demand immediate release of opposition activists, beaten up and detained by the police on Tuesday, and fair punishment for officers who exerted violence and fabricated a criminal case.

Armenian News-NEWS.am publishes the statement released by organizations dealing with human rights defense in Armenia:

“Seven young activists of opposition Armenian National Congress [ANC] - Tigran Arakelyan , Sahak Muradyan, Areg Gevorgayn, Sargis Gevorgyan, Artak Karapetyan, David Kiramijyan, and Vahagn Gevorgyan - were detained by the police on August 9. On August 10 we were informed that a criminal case has been filed against them.

Before and after detention the young men were subjected to violence and beating by the police. The police exerted violence even against one of the lawyers.

The group that seized the power after rigged elections turned the country into police state. The law has been violated. Nobody is protected. Those trying to protect their rights or the rights of other people become targets of suppression. This is the reason why young people get subjected to violation and detention so frequently.

We, the representatives of human rights organizations, condemn the violence exerted by the police and their attempts to start a criminal case against seven activists of ANC.

We demand their immediate release and punishment for those who exerted violence and fabricated a criminal case.

The statement was signed by Vardan Harutyunyan of Center for Rights and Freedom, Isabella Sargsyan of Youth for Democracy, Arthur Sakunts of Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Office, Levon Barseghyan of Asbarez Press Club, and Natalia Martirosyan of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Committee of Armenia.