Over the past several days, much has changed in Armenia. Raffi Hovannisian - after two decades of deliberate and patient political engagement to bring about freedom, justice and economic growth in Armenia - decided he has had enough with the corrupt politicians, inept bureaucrats and unfair judges. On the morning of March 15, 2011 he went on a hunger-strike to put an end to empty promises, corrupt practices and corrosive apathy. That morning, Raffi went to Liberty Square in Yerevan, sat on a bench and began his “fast for freedom,” calling for change in Armenia. Since the contested presidential elections of 2008, the authorities have arrested anyone attempting to engage in any civic activism in the Square. Through his bold move, he lifted the ban placed by the authorities on Liberty Square. His actions paved the way for thousands of peaceful protesters, under the leadership of Armenian National Congress (a coalition of opposition groups) to, in the evening of March 17, 2011, retake Liberty Square. In the name of human decency, we urgently expect the authorities in Yerevan to: 1. Permit the erection of an appropriate tent in Liberty Square and provision of heating for Raffi to be able to sleep and continue his constitutionally protected hunger-strike; 2. Provide for a round-the-clock medical team to monitor Raffi’s health; 3. Halt the harassment that occurs under the guise of police searches of Raffi’s belongings and surroundings. As supporters of Raffi’s cause, we also pledge our support to all those who want a free, just and prosperous Armenia. We call for unity and resolve. We are all hungry for change. “Hungry for Change: Freedom and Justice in Armenia