ARM12593-12594-200902
20 September 2002

ARMENIA: Two more conscientious objectors imprisoned

War Resisters' International was informed by it's Georgian section today that two more Jehovah's Witnesses, who refuse to perform military service, have been arrested recently.
Artur Kazaryan (ARM12593) was sentenced to one year's imprisonment on 18 September 2002.
Hratch Tatoyan (ARM12594) was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on charges of "refusing the call-up to military service" on 11 September.
This brings the total number of Jehovah's Witnesses imprisoned for conscientious objection to military service to 23.

Armenia has committed itself to introduce a law on conscientious objection and alternative service by next year. This is part of the commitments for being accepted as a member of the Council of Europe.
However, Armenia still puts conscientious objectors in prison, although conscientious objection is a basic human right, according to the European Convention on Human Rights, and several resolutions of the Council of Europe.

War Resisters' International calls for protest letters to the President of Armenia, and Armenian embassies abroad:

President Robert Kocharian
Respublika Armenia
375019g. Yerevan
pr. Marshala Bagramiana, 26
Prezidentu Kocharianu, R.
ARMENIA
Fax: +374-152 1581, 152 1796, 115 1152

War Resisters' International calls for the immediate release of conscientious objectors Artur Kazaryan, Hratch Tatoyan, and all other imprisoned conscientious objectors.

Andreas Speck
War Resisters' International