Arrested for Political Reasons: Vanadzor Community Leader Mamikon Aslanyan Remains in Custody

According to human rights defender Ruben Melikyan, Mamikon Aslanyan, who served as the leader of Vanadzor for five years, will remain in custody after the court rejected his petition to be released. Aslanyan has been in prison since December 2021 on charges of expropriating lands in Vanadzor through falsified documents during his tenure. Two of his subordinates, including a lawyer and the chief architect of the community, have also been charged but are currently free.

The criminal case against Aslanyan was initiated by law enforcement officers and he was immediately detained after the Vanadzor Council of Elders elections in 2021. Despite receiving the most votes in that year’s elections, Aslanyan was unable to return to office as head of the community due to political reasons. He believes that the case against him is politically motivated and part of a larger political agenda.

In an interview with Melikyan, Aslanyan expressed his views on the situation. “The timing of my arrest and the accusations against me are clearly politically motivated,” he said. “This case is not about justice or fairness – it’s about politics.” Despite legal proceedings against him, Aslanyan maintains that the charges are unfounded and part of a larger political conspiracy aimed at silencing dissenting voices and maintaining control over Vanadzor’s government.

Melikyan emphasized that this case is not only about Aslanyan but also about upholding human rights and democracy in Armenia. He called for international intervention and support for those affected by this political repression.

In conclusion, Mamikon Aslanyan remains in custody after being accused of expropriating lands through falsified documents during his tenure as head of Vanadzor community. The case is seen as politically motivated by many including Ruben Melikyan who believes it is part of a larger political agenda aimed at silencing dissenting voices and maintaining control over government positions.