On June 1, The French Association of Armenian Lawyers and Jurists (AFAJA) issued a statement expressing its concern regarding the situation of Mr. Tigran Postanjyan, arrested for alleged acts of bribery to the tune of 100,000 Armenian drams (200 €) and imprisoned since February 23, 2011 at the Nubarashen Penitentiary in Yerevan.

"The severity of the action and its treatment, disproportionate to the offenses charged, suggests from the outset that these measures might have been intended to discredit the sister of the defendant, namely Zarouhie Postanjyan, a lawyer involved in Defense of Human Rights and now an opposition MP, a member of the Heritage Party," the statement reads.

The AFAJA says that it expects the judicial authorities in Armenia to issue a fair and independent verdict in the matter in the shortest time possible given the Postanjyan's worsening health.