'Don't remain silent, don't yield to a dictator's whims,' Khachik Galstyan says in message

Lawyer Arsen Babayan has shared a message from opposition figure and political prisoner Khachik Galstyan, who is currently under house arrest. The full statement is provided below.

"Dear compatriots,

It has been nearly seven months since I was deprived of my liberty. Regrettably, during this time, political persecution and repression in the country have reached unprecedented levels.

I extend my solidarity and deepest respect to Gagik Tsarukyan, Andranik Tevanyan, Areghnaz Manukyan, Armen Ashotyan, Avetik Chalabyan, Davit Ghazinyan, Ashot Yeghiazaryan and all those who remain imprisoned for their political activities.

As the swamp of tyranny deepens with each passing day, the usurper of power seeks to silence every dissenting voice and crush every center of resistance by instilling fear throughout society.

Dear Armenians,

Do not remain silent. Do not be afraid. Do not yield to the whims of a dictator.

Speak out. Defend one another. Stand in solidarity with those facing persecution.

Silence and indifference are tantamount to sinking into the foul swamp of dictatorship.

Finally, the window of the apartment that has been turned into my prison overlooks Mount Hatis. Every night, as darkness descends upon the country, a light appears on the mountain summit. In the midst of that darkness, it shines as a beacon of hope, faith and victory, illuminated by God, faith and love of the homeland.

Tsarukyan, stay strong!

A prisoner of conscience and the homeland,

Professor Khachik Galstyan"