Famous musicians and public figures write open letter to RA state agencies on Smbatyans’ measure of restraint

A number of famous musicians and public figures wrote an
open letter to the RA state agencies. They asked to change Armen and Sergey
Smbatyan’s measure of restraint.

“Imposing the toughest measure of restraint on Armen
and Sergey Smbatyan is rather harsh for them, as none of them pose a threat to
the society and their country’s interests,” reads the letter signed by
People’s Artist of the USSR Yuri Bashmet, opera diva Maria Guleghina, pianist
Alexander Romanovsky, opera singer, Merited Artist of the Russian Federation
Veronika Dzhioeva, actress, TV host Sati Spivakova, Deutsche Grammophon
violinist Daniel Lozakovich.

They note that they are deeply concerned to hear that a
charge has been brought against their colleagues and that they have been
arrested.

“Armen and Sergey Smbatyan are top professionals and
each of them made an invaluable contribution to Armenian culture. They are big
names not only in Armenia, but also abroad,” reads the letter.