“Bread bringer” activist dies

Artur Sargsyan was known as the activist who took food to the police station in Yerevan that was raided by the members of “Sasna Tsrer” on July 17.

Known as “the bread bringer”, Sargsyan was arrested on August 16 with the charge of supporting an armed group and kept in prison despite his state of health.

Sargsyan’s family and friends and Armenian people staged protests, demanding release of Sarsgyan who has serious health problems. Sargsyan’s lawyer appealed to ECHR. Replying in 2 days, ECHR demanded information from Armenian government concerning Sargsyan’s medical condition and whether he has been given the medication he needs in the prison.

Jailed since August, “the bread bringer” was released on December 31 due to his medical condition, but jailed again on February 9. After the second arrest, Sargsyan started a hunger strike.

After he started the hunger strike, Sargsyan was released on probation thanks to public pressure and deputies paying the bail. He was transferred to a hospital.

It is reported that Sargsyan checked out of the hospital on his own accord a few days ago. His health deteriorated on March 15 and he was put in intensive care unit. It is stated that he died because of heart and lung failure.

With the death of Sargsyan, a demonstration was held in Yerevan.