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Prominent Armenian Activists Beaten


Armenian activist Haykak Arshamian, who was beaten up in Yerevan.
Armenian activist Haykak Arshamian, who was beaten up in Yerevan.
YEREVAN -- Two prominent Armenian activists have been hospitalized after they were attacked by unknown assailants.

Suren Saghatelian and Haykak Arshamian say they were assaulted in the courtyard of the latter's apartment building in downtown Yerevan late on September 5. The two men, known for their civil rights activism and open criticism of the government, are not affiliated with any political party.

They had participated in protests on September 4 against President Serzh Sarkisian's announcement that Armenia plans to join the Moscow-led Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) condemned the attack, accusing authorities of using what it called "terrorist methods" against critics.

At least six activists have been beaten by unknown assailants in late-night attacks in Yerevan in the past two weeks. No arrests have been made in connection with the violence.

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