Jirair Sefilian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jirair Sefilian
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Sefilian in 2020
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| Native name |
Ժիրայր Սէֆիլեան
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| Born | 10 July 1967 Beirut, Lebanon |
| Allegiance |  Armenia Republic of Artsakh |
| Service/ |
Armed Forces of Armenia |
| Years of service | 1983–1998 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Commands held | Shushi Military Company NKR Defense Army Brigade |
| Battles/wars |
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Jirair Simoni Sefilian (born July 10, 1967) is an Armenian military leader and political activist. He was born in Lebanon. During the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, he led a special military group called Shushi. This group played a big part in the Battle of Shusha. From 1997 to 1998, Sefilian was a Brigade Commander in the Artsakh Defense Army.
He has often spoken out against giving up land to Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also opposes Russia's influence in Armenia. Sefilian is a key member of the Sasna Tsrer Pan-Armenian Party and the National Democratic Pole.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Jirair Sefilian finished college in Beirut in 1986. He took part in defending Armenian areas of Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War from 1983 to 1990.
In 1990, Sefilian moved to Armenia with his family. He wanted to join the Karabakh movement. He helped train self-defense groups in Karabakh and Syunik. In 1991, he led a military group defending parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1992, he became the commander of the Shushi special military company. This group was very important during the Battle of Shusha. He also fought in other battles, like the Capture of Aghdam and the Battle of Kalbajar.
After the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, Sefilian went back to Lebanon. He could not return to Armenia until 1997. From 1997 to 1998, he was a Brigade Commander in the Artsakh Defense Army. He received the First Degree Order of the Combat Cross award. He holds the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Armenian Army. In 1999, he left the ARF political party. Since 2001, he has led a group called the "Liberated Territories Defense Committee."
Political Activities and Views
Sefilian has been a strong voice in Armenian politics. He often speaks about the future of Nagorno-Karabakh. He believes Armenia should not give up any land there. He also thinks Armenia should have less influence from Russia. Instead, he supports closer ties with countries like the United States.
In 2009, he helped start the Sardarapat Movement. Sefilian also led the Founding Parliament opposition group. This group worked to prevent changes to Armenia's constitution.
In September 2018, Sefilian helped create the Sasna Tsrer Pan-Armenian Party. This party includes people who were involved in the 2016 Yerevan events. Later, in May 2020, Sefilian signed a statement asking for new elections. This led to the creation of the National Democratic Pole, a political group that includes Sasna Tsrer. After the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Sefilian called for the Prime Minister to resign. He also joined protests. He believes Armenia should get ready for a new war to take back land lost in 2020.
Legal Challenges
Jirair Sefilian has faced several legal challenges.
First Legal Case
In 2006, Sefilian and another leader were arrested. Some human rights groups believed this arrest was for political reasons. They said the authorities used a certain law to scare those who disagreed with the government. Armenia's human rights defender also said Sefilian and his friends did not break the law.
In 2007, a judge found Sefilian not guilty of making statements against the government. However, he was found guilty of having a weapon without permission. He was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison. Sefilian said he was innocent and that the court case was unfair. He believed it was an order from the government.
In 2012, the European Court of Human Rights ruled against the Armenian authorities. The court said Sefilian was held before his trial without enough legal reasons. It also found that his phone calls were illegally listened to.
In 2015, Sefilian and others were stopped from entering Artsakh. Police were involved, and some people, including Sefilian, were hurt. The president of Karabakh ordered an investigation into what happened.
Later Legal Cases
On April 8, 2015, Sefilian was arrested again. Authorities said he and others planned to cause large disturbances during protests. His home was searched. Several human rights groups in Armenia called him a "political prisoner." They believed he was jailed for his beliefs, not for a crime. Sefilian and others were released in May 2015. They promised not to leave the country.
On June 20, 2016, Jirair Sefilian was arrested a third time. Authorities said he and a group planned to take over buildings and communication centers, like the Yerevan TV tower. A member of his group said Sefilian was arrested because he planned to speak against giving up land to Azerbaijan.
On July 17, 2016, a group of armed men, who were close to Sefilian, took over a police station in Yerevan. They called themselves Sasna Tsrer. They demanded that the President resign and wanted Sefilian to be released from prison. This event led to the deaths of three policemen.
Sefilian was released from prison on June 13, 2018. This happened shortly after the 2018 Armenian revolution.
Citizenship
After his first prison sentence, Sefilian faced the possibility of being sent out of Armenia. He tried to get political asylum and citizenship in the Republic of Artsakh. In 2018, he was granted Armenian citizenship.
Awards
| Country | Award | Date | |
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| Armenia |
Order of the Combat Cross of the First Degree | ||
