Opposition calls on CoE to condemn gross violations of human rights  and fundamental freedoms in Armenia

ArmInfo.In the Republic of Armenia, human rights violations and democratic regression are 

obvious. This is stated in the joint statement of the "Armenia" bloc and the "I have the honor" faction.

The opposition noted that the current authorities are playing 

democracy in front of the international community, talking about 

progress, but at the same time grossly violating human rights and 

fundamental freedoms. In addition, government encroachments on 

freedom of speech and freedom of assembly have intensified. Although 

Armenian legislation views detention as a measure of last resort and 

gives preference to alternative measures, arrest remains the most 

common practice and is used against opposition figures.  "The 

persecution of opposition politicians and opponents by initiating 

trumped-up criminal cases, political reprisals through possible means 

have become the style of work and the calling card of these 

authorities.  Public figures, political figures and their relatives, 

parents of deceased servicemen have been charged or are being 

prosecuted in dozens of criminal cases for the simple reason that 

they criticize the current authorities of Armenia," the statement 

says.

According to the opposition, there can be no talk of human rights or 

democracy in a country where detention, as well as the repressive 

attitude shown during the preliminary investigation and trial, in 

some cases up to the death of <accused> public figures, is used as a 

means of combating dissent.  "This attitude towards public and 

political figures pursues one goal - to create an environment and 

atmosphere that impedes freedom of speech.

Based on the above, we draw the attention of international 

organizations involved in human rights to the flagrant cases of 

violation of democracy and human rights occurring in Armenia. We call 

on the Council of Europe to strongly condemn the ongoing regression 

of democracy in Armenia and gross violations of human rights and 

fundamental freedoms," the source says.