Relatives, classmates, and supporters of detained twin brothers Davit and Mikael Minasyan have addressed an open letter to Armenian authorities and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, urging them not to jeopardize the teenagers’ future.
According to the letter, the brothers are described as intelligent, well-educated, and patriotic youths raised in a modest and respectful family, Panorama.am reports.
“They have always stood out for excellent academic performance and have been a source of pride for their school, as evidenced by dozens of certificates and awards.
Throughout their years of study, they have never committed any act of hooliganism and have been peaceful individuals. Davit and Mikael are followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church and attend Sunday liturgies regularly.
They have never been members of any political party, nor have they supported any political force. Their family is apolitical.
They attended the Palm Sunday service at St. Anna Church and found themselves in a scuffle during prayer. They have never insulted or harmed anyone in their lives, especially not an elder or a respected official. We are firmly convinced that they had no intention of harming anyone on the day of the incident.
We ask that, taking all this into account, you do not place the fate of these young men at risk. They are bright youths full of dreams and ambitions, capable of becoming valuable members of society and the state,” the letter states.
Lawyers Lusine Martirosyan and Varduhi Elbakyan were reportedly unable in the morning to enter the Yerevan investigative department, where the brothers had been taken without their knowledge, Sputnik Armenia reports.
“Let us note the time: the boys were brought to the investigative department at 11:43, and from 11:44 onward, anything that happens to them is unlawful, as they are inside without lawyers,” Elbakyan said.
It was noted that the 72-hour detention period has expired, and a decision must be made on whether to bring formal charges.
Classmates and parents gathered in the courtyard of the investigative department in support of the brothers. Opposition MP Gegham Manukyan was also present and attempted to enter the building with the lawyers through a back entrance, but was unsuccessful.
Lawyer Lusine Martirosyan contacted the Human Rights Defender’s office, requesting an urgent response team, noting that the boys were inside without legal representation.
Shortly afterward, Martirosyan reported that, following the Ombudsman’s direct intervention, the Investigative Committee allowed the lawyers to enter the building. They were then able to access the department, where they remained for more than an hour.
On March 30, investigators searched the brothers’ home but did not find any relevant materials. On March 31, it became known that criminal proceedings were initiated against three individuals detained after the incident, under charges of hooliganism and interference with the lawful official or political activities of an official.
