ORO: Babayan`s arrest has a political subtext and is aimed against free self-expression of nation

ArmInfo. The leaders of the Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian alliance Seyran Ohanyan, Raffi Hovhannisyan and Vardan Oskanian called on the international community, representatives of observer missions and diplomatic representatives to pay attention to the arrest of ex- Defense Minister of Artsakh Samvel Babayan, which in their opinion has political implication and directed against free will of the citizens of the country.

"We call on our society, every citizen to draw conclusions after this incident, to actively participate in the election process, to act in favor of the amendments in unity on April 2, and form a new government", the statement reads.

"The measures taken by the government were predictable. The obvious provocation organized against the "Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanyan" alliance, as well as the massive pressures against the headquarters and the Parliament candidates were sought to spread an atmosphere of fear and hinder our work. We evaluate this behavior exercised by the government is aimed at spreading the atmospher of fear and affecting the results of the elections in an illegal way. "Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanyan" Alliance continues its normal work. Do not be provocative. Our bodies, parliamentary candidates and supporters continue their work with triple enthusiasm", they noted.

To note, the National Security Service of Armenia stated that Babayan's arrest was carried out in the framework of the case of illegal importation of the Igla MANPADS from Georgia to Armenia. The press service of the National Security Service stated that within the framework of this case, 3 people were arrested and Babayan. "As a result of operational-search activities, reliable data was obtained that persons engaged in the delivery and acquisition of components of the anti-aircraft missile system acted at the behest and order of Babayan", the report reads. In connection with the incident in Djrarat, as a result of which five people were injured earlier, NKR ex-defense minister and Oganyan-Raffi-Oskanian alliance member Samvel Babayan advised the ruling Republican Party of Armenia to refrain from actions directed against the alliance. Babayan also noted that if this continues, it will reach bloodshed. "I know that the other side will not step back, because they need to protect themself somehow", Babayan said.