Samsonyan returned to prison after examination

Narek Samsonyan, co-author of the "Imnemnimi" podcast, who is on a 14-day hunger strike, was hospitalized twice in four days due to deteriorating health. Doctors recommended that he end his 14-day hunger strike, but Samsonyan refused. After an examination, he was returned to prison.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," a Yerevan court extended the arrest of "Imnemnimi" podcast co-authors Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan on hooliganism charges. Following this decision, Narek Samsonyan announced the start of an indefinite hunger strike. Samsonyan's lawyers reported that his health has worsened and that he requires urgent surgery. Human rights activists have recognized him as a political prisoner and demanded his immediate release.

Narek Samsonyan, who has been on a hunger strike for 14 days, has been transferred to the hospital, his lawyer, Ruben Melikyan, announced today.

"Samsonyan has just finally been transferred to the hospital," Aysor.Am quotes the lawyer as saying.

Melikyan then announced that Samsonyan had ended his hunger strike, but later announced that, despite doctors' recommendations to end it, Samsonyan would continue it in protest of his extended detention. After an examination at the Izmirlyan Medical Center, Samsonyan was returned to prison, Armenia Today reports.

On the tenth day of his hunger strike, an ambulance was called for Samsonyan; an examination revealed that his pulse was significantly elevated. He was taken to the hospital, but was returned the same day after an examination, the publication reported on January 18.