Westdeutsche Rundfunk, Kulturradio and other German media reported today that the activist of the peace movement Georgi Vanyan, who is faced with persecution and death threats, has decided to move to Hamburg for a year at the invitation of the Foundation in support of persons persecuted for political reasons (Hamburger Stiftung für politisch Verfolgte).
Vanyan's role is noted in a press release of the fund, in the so-called "Tekali process" – the Georgian village, located on the border of three South Caucasus countries, which has become a traditional meeting place for representatives of civil society and peace movement activists of the South Caucasus countries.
It regularly hosts events with the participation of art and science representatives, as well as journalists who participate in discussions on possible strategies for solving conflicts in the South Caucasus. And every year participants of the "Tekali process" are subject to threats, harassment and attacks," the report informs.
"Georgi Vanyan is persecuted in connection with his involvement in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, as well as a clear rejection of any form of political and nationalist propaganda. Nationalists of the government of Armenia, along with non-government nationalist forces, threaten to kill the activist," the press release informs.
"In 2012 Vanyan organized the Azerbaijani Film Festival. The idea of the festival was supported by the British, American and German sides. However, nationalist forces in Armenia were against its implementation. Radical opponents of the festival held demonstrations, Georgi Vanyan was threatened with death. The director was attacked in real life. In connection with the danger, the festival was cancelled," the press service of the fund recalls.
"In 2013 Vanyan was included in the Bundestag program "Parliamentarians support parliamentarians." The peace movement activist and human rights defender Vanyan became the object of public attacks once again. Television branded him as a "national traitor", after which attacks on his house began once again. We are glad that now Georgi Vanyan is able to live a year in security in the metropolis on the Elbe," the Hamburg Foundation in support of persons persecuted for political reasons informs.
