On December 19, 2016, US embassy political officer Ms. Somer Bessire-Briers met with representatives of the the Human Rights House Yerevan office and human rights defender Marina Poghosyan from Veles NGO. The meeting participants discussed the recent joint statement made by the Human Rights House Yerevan Members in support of Marina Poghosyan, condemning the threats and persecution towards her. During the meeting Ms. Poghosyan presented the details of the criminal case launched against her. Human Rights House Yerevan representatives expressed their concern about this case, which according to them was motivated by the activities of Ms. Poghosyan and Veles NGO to expose cases of corruption. Human Right House Yerevan members also shared their concerns about the chilling effect such persecution would have on other human rights defenders and those people who appeal to them for the protection of their rights.