Message of the Authorities: Why was Sefilian Arrested?

Jirair Sefilian, commander of special battalion of “Shushi,” was arrested today. Until this moment, he was arrested for an absurd accusation. He was arrested on June 20 within the case occurred on May 20,conclusion of which was that Sefilian pursued the purpose of organizing a coup with the armaments under his possession through taking state establishments, including Yerevan TV Tower.

First and foremost, a question arises: why this “dangerous criminal” is being arrested after a month? Besides, it seems to become a habit in case of detecting weapons of any quantity to qualify it as a preparation for a “coup d’état” in case, when in the car of any average statistical “authority” or MP and his guards, to all probabilities, weapons with the same quantity, if not more, may be found.

These unserious activities by the law enforcement objectively give ground to consider that Sefilian was arrested for quite a different reason, first and foremost, for non-Armenian audience.

Meeting of the presidents of Armenia is Azerbaijan is taking place in Saint Petersburg, with the mediation of Russia’s president, to all probabilities, within the “Russian plan” of Karabakh conflict settlement, essence of which is withdrawal of liberated territories for launching a referendum with uncertain status.

Jirair Sefilian, basically, is the only figure, who not only opposes withdrawal of territories with direct statements, but also expresses willingness to organize protesting activities to fight for it. It’s another issue how productive those protests will or would be under present-day moral-psychological atmosphere, how many people would go into the streets to prevent withdrawal of liberated territories. It’s a fact, that at least Sefilian could organize it.

In this sense Jirair Sefilian is a definitely symbolic character, and by detaining him, Armenia’s authorities, to all probabilities, tell the world that they are not only simply ready to retreat territories, but are so ready, that they isolate those opposing to them. This is also a message to Armenia’s all powers and citizens what will happen to those attempting to oppose withdrawal of territories. To prove the opposite the authorities should submit proof not giving way to doubts, that Sefilian was plotting a coup. Judging from everything, such proof still lacks and should be “prepared” during the process.

By Robert Ter-Sargsyan