YEREVAN. – Armenia-based “Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women” on Monday held protest action near the Prosecutor General’s Office in connection with an investigation into “suicide” committed by 20-year-old Maro Guloyan (photos).

The protesters were carrying “Maro did not commit suicide”, “To punish tyrant”, “Women, learn your rights” posters.  

A 20-year-old Maro Gulayan died in 2012 in the house of her husband. According to the official line, she committed a suicide by hanging herself in the bathroom. Her relatives and friends are confident that the girl was killed.

Criminal proceedings were instituted based on Article 110 (causing somebody to commit suicide or make an attempt at a suicide by indirect willfulness or by negligence, by means of threat, cruel treatment or regular humiliation of one’s dignity). This means Maro’s husband, who was reportedly beating her permanently, will be sentenced to only a three-year imprisonment. In April police decided to close a case.

The statement released by the initiative group says they will struggle to restore justice and protect rights of  women in Armenia.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am