The Armenian Council Research Center is following with concern the developments surrounding the detention of civil activist Arthur Osipyan and his ongoing hunger strike, which has now entered its eighteenth day. These developments may cause irreversible harm to his health and could even lead to tragic consequences.
One of Armenia’s most important achievements since the 2018 Revolution has been the consolidation of freedom of expression, political pluralism, and the right to public criticism. Although a number of Osipyan’s statements and publications have prompted legitimate criticism and disagreement, the full context of the incident—including the emotionally charged exchange and the subsequent detention—raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the justice system and the state of democratic institutions in Armenia.
Today, during this sensitive pre-election period, when Armenia is simultaneously facing external pressures and hybrid influence operations, the country stands before a historic choice: between freedom and unfreedom, democracy and authoritarianism, the strengthening of sovereignty and the transformation of Armenia into an outpost and a “guberniya” (province) of external powers. Under these circumstances, it is critically important to do everything possible to ensure that society remains confident that the choice it makes is fundamentally different from the alternative offered by forces serving external agendas. For that distinction to remain clear, convincing, and visible, there should be no detainees such as Osipyan in a sovereign and democratic Armenia.
Strengthening internal solidarity and fostering an atmosphere of peace and mutual tolerance within society are not only among the key responsibilities of the state authorities but also among the fundamental pillars of the Christian value system. In situations such as this, the authorities bear greater responsibility than individual political forces, groups, or citizens.
We are convinced that Arthur Osipyan’s release is important from legal, political, moral, and humanitarian perspectives. Therefore, the Armenian Council Research Center calls for the release of Arthur Osipyan.
