Human rights defender and member of the Armenian Helsinki Association passed away on August 11.

Head of the Helsinki Association Michael Danielyan told Tert.am that the reason of Arshalyus Hakobyan's death is not known and that he cannot say anything about it.

He also said that the organization is waiting for the results of the dissection, which according to the law must be conducted within 48 hours.

"We cannot say anything before that data is received," said he. 

Hacobyan was arrested after on 31 May 2009 he participated in the municipal elections in Yerevan in the capacity of observer.
Accusations were brought against him according to Article 316, part 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (Showing Resistance against the Law Enforcement Bodies). 

Human rights defenders say that he was subjected to torture while kept in detention in the police. 

On October 16, 2009, the Court of First instance of Kentron and Nork-Marash Communities of Yerevan released him on bail.

Later in February Mr Hakobyan was acquitted. 

Tert.am