Armenian-Canadian actress and producer Arsinee Khanjian has urged the Diaspora Armenians around the world to actively participate in Armenia’s political processes and make their voice heard in the country’s forthcoming elections.

“Along with number of like-minded Armenians we are undertaking an election observation mission aimed at bringing Diaspora compatriots’ participation, their engagement with political processes of Armenia during the 2017 Parliamentary Elections, to have their say in a cause of having a more democratic country based on rule of law” Khanjian told at a discussion on Monday devoted to the first steps of the “Justice Within Armenia” Initiative.

To note, the initiative, which appeared two months ago in the form of a petition on change.org is a call by prominent Armenians throughout the world for ‘the fundamental preservation and protection of human rights, direct engagement in fair and transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, democratic change through civic engagement with the citizenry of Armenia”.

Khanjyan informed, that several organized groups in the Diaspora are actively working toward the implementation of the initiative steps and are receiving membership applications throughout the Diaspora.

“They will be equipped with necessary knowledge to conduct monitoring mission within a clearly planned coordination of their activity in Armenia,” said Khanjian, adding the core group of the “Justice Within Armenia” initiative is formed abroad and comprise known intellectuals from Armenia as well with “thousands of Armenian citizens standing in solidarity’.

In the words of the Armenian-Canadian actress, it has been the high time for the Diaspora Armenians to bring their participation to the Armenian events, making use of their resources and contacts in the Diaspora. Khanjyan also expressed concern over what she described as ‘unhealthy political climate, human rights violations, poor economic indicators, lack of justice and migration’ in the homeland.

“The diaspora is much concerned with all the aforementioned,” Khanjian explained.

To remind, Arsinee Khanjian’s quick involvement into the Armenian politics came in the aftermath of the July events, when she was among the active supporters of the armed group members that violently broke into a police station in Yerevan, resulted in days long hostage standoff with three police officers killed and dozens of wounded, including some members of the armed group.

In one of the episodes Khanjian was detained by the police ‘due to public safety reasons’ in a daily gathering in front of the seized police station, that the actress attended regularly.

Hours later the police apologized to her and released.

Afterwards, Arsinee Khanjian expressed her intention to be engaged with Armenian politics in an interview with “Azatutyun” radio station.