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.
