11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

The constitution provides for freedom of assembly, but there were some limits on this right in practice ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23130]

"The constitution provides for freedom of assembly, but there were some limits on this right in practice. Organizers are not required to obtain a government permit to stage a rally or demonstration but are required to notify authorities in advance of their plans for such events. Political parties generally demonstrated freely in Yerevan during the parliamentary and presidential campaign seasons, though there were some instances of local authorities denying permission for public rallies. There were also locations, such as military installations and sensitive power generation facilities, where persons could not demonstrate without permission. The law empowers police to break up illegal rallies and demonstrations, particularly those that encourage violence and the overthrow of the government."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Police dispersed opposition rallies ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23132]

"On May 9, the police forcibly dispersed an unsanctioned opposition rally in front of the NSS building; eyewitnesses said riot police used batons and tear gas. Several eyewitnesses from among the opposition reported that the police use of violence was brief, and that more senior police officers moved quickly to negotiate a peaceful resolution with opposition leaders.
On October 23, riot police dispersed an opposition march using force and tear gas, detaining 12 activists as they were announcing through loudspeakers the date of an opposition rally in support of Levon Ter-Petrosyan."

Document(s): Open document

13.09.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Alleged victims of mistreatment by authorities and their relatives protested outside parliament; most of them were employees of Vanadzor's mayor's nephew Darpinian ("Armenian Torture Scandal Deepens") [ID 21548]

Document(s): Open document

03.07.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Yerevan: More than a hundred people facing eviction from their homes slated for demolition protest against their alleged harassment by a powerful security agency ("Eviction-Threatened Residents Protest ‘Government Harassment’") [ID 20601]

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Yerevan: Scores of residents affected by massive redevelopment schemes are protesting outside the government building as the new Armenian government were holding their first meeting inside ("Dozens Protest Outside As New Cabinet Meets") [ID 20599]

Document(s): Open document

05.06.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Members of committee in defence of Alexander Arzumanian, an opposition activist arrested on money laundering charges, demonstrate, demand his immediate release ("Loyalists of arrested oppositionist demand his immediate release") [ID 20600]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

During the year were no large demonstrations ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20186]

"During a year without national elections, there were no large demonstrations; arbitrary detention of protestors was not a problem."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

The constitution provides for freedom of assembly, but there were some limits on this right ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20211]

"The constitution provides for freedom of assembly, but there were some limits on this right. Organizers are not required to obtain a government permit to stage a rally or demonstration but are required to notify authorities in advance of their plans for such events. There were also locations, such as military installations and sensitive power generation facilities, where persons could not demonstrate without permission. The law empowers police to break up illegal rallies and demonstrations, particularly those that encourage violence and the overthrow of the government. During the year police did not break up demonstrations.
The government did not interfere when small rallies took place without permission."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Reports that government authorities hindered political party meetings and pressured property owners to evict opposition parties from meeting facilities ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20212]

"There were reports that government authorities hindered political party meetings and pressured property owners to evict opposition parties from meeting facilities. For example, during the year the opposition Heritage Party was evicted from its offices, ostensibly over a lease dispute (see section 3). In May 2005 Aram Karapetyan asserted that his New Times opposition party was evicted from its headquarters in Yerevan following pressure on the landlord by government officials."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Police failed to intervene when 2 dozen men attempted to violently disrupt opposition rally on 5 April 2004 in Yerevan; security forces violently dispersed opposition rally in April 2004 ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 17687]

"Two dozen such men attempted to disrupt an opposition rally in Yerevan on April 5, 2004. Scores of police stood by and looked on as they smashed the cameras of photojournalists who were filming their actions. Only two of the thugs were subsequently prosecuted and given symbolic fines.

Tension came to a head on the night of April 12-13, 2004, when security forces dispersed an opposition demonstration outside Kocharian's residence, using water cannons, stun grenades, and even electric-shock equipment. They went on to ransack the Yerevan offices of the main opposition parties. Facing criticism by various domestic and international organizations, the authorities argued that heavy-handed tactics were justified because they staved off a coup d'etat."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Apart from the 2004 opposition crackdown, opposition has been largely free to hold rallies; state largely respects citizens' right to freedom of association ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 18746]

"Aside from the 2004 opposition crackdown, the Armenian opposition has been generally free to hold rallies, although virtually none of its 2004 protests in Yerevan were formally permitted by the authorities. In May 2004, at the height of the opposition campaign, the Kocharian-controlled parliament passed a new law on rallies that many saw as an infringement of citizens' constitutionally guaranteed freedom of assembly. The law was amended a year later in line with recommendations of experts from the Council of Europe. In particular, a provision was scrapped that allowed police to disperse a street gathering if it posed a threat to public and state security. But another controversial clause that bans demonstrations outside the presidential palace in Yerevan was kept in force.

The state largely respects citizens' constitutional right to freedom of association, as evidenced by the existence of over 60 political parties and thousands of NGOs. Citizens are not forced to belong to any organization. Still, many civil servants and other public sector employees have been compelled to campaign for incumbent presidents and ruling parties during elections. They were similarly instructed to campaign for the passage of Kocharian's constitutional amendments in November 2005. Several trade unions unite mainly public sector workers. The bulk of the private sector workforce is not unionized due to high unemployment and weak government protection of workers' rights."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

About 50 opposition supporters arrested in November; allegedly beat by police ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15704]

"Unlike in the previous year, there was only nominal attendance at, and little public attention to, rallies and demonstrations, and arbitrary detention of protestors was not a serious problem. In the week following the marred November constitutional referendum the government detained, for several hours at a time, approximately 50 opposition supporters participating in modest opposition rallies. Several detainees alleged police beat them while they in custody."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Law on meetings, assemblies, rallies and demonstrations amended ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15770]

"The law provides for freedom of assembly, but there were some limits on this right. On October 31, the government issued amendments to the April 2004 law on meetings, assemblies, rallies, and demonstrations, in response to criticism levied by opposition parties, journalists, and human rights activists. The amendments clarified technical restrictions and removed several sites from the list of venues, outlined by the 2004 law, where protests are prohibited. Per the law and amendments, organizers are no longer required to obtain a government permit to stage a rally or demonstration, but are still required to notify authorities in advance of their plans for such events. However, there are limits on the locations where demonstrations can be held without permission, for example military installations and sensitive power generation facilities. The law also empowers police to break up illegal rallies and demonstrations, particularly those that encourage violence and the overthrow of the government.In practice during the year police did not break up demonstrations. In addition the amendments simplify notification procedures, allow spontaneous mass gatherings, and remove television and radio stations and the central bank from the list of facilities around which groups are prohibited from gathering. The law also removes specific timeframes within which security officials must suggest alternative arrangements for unapproved organized gatherings.

Prior to the amendments, authorities often denied requests from opposition parties for permits to organize rallies and demonstrations in the capital and other cities. The government did not interfere when small rallies took place without permission."

Document(s): Open document

01.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Authorities restrict right to freedom of assembly, particularly in case of opposition rallies and demonstrations ("World Report 2006") [#42310],  [ID 17651]

"The authorities restrict the right to freedom of assembly, particularly in the case of opposition rallies and demonstrations. May 2005 amendments to the 2004 law on public gatherings resulted in few improvements. On repeated occassions in 2005, nongovernmental organizations and political parties attempted to hold public gatherings at which police or unidentified people interfered, grabbing banners and placards, or triggering disturbances."

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Registration for NGOs are cumbersome and time-consuming; adminstrative detention regulations abused to punish peaceful demonstrators and political activists ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41286],  [ID 3035]

"Registration requirements for nongovernmental associations are cumbersome and time-consuming. The authorities abused administrative detention regulations to intimidate and punish peaceful demonstrators and political activists following the 2003 presidential election. This issue remained a bone of contention in 2004, with the PACE condemning the use of violence by the Armenian authorities in April and criticizing them for the continued application of the administrative code to arrest protesters."

Document(s): Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) condemning use of force by police during opposition protests ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3036]

"On 28 April the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) issued a resolution condemning the use of force by police during the opposition protests in Armenia and calling on
the authorities to investigate alleged human rights violations and to release opposition members. Vagharshak Harutiunian, a member of the opposition Hanrapetutiun (Republic) party and a former Defence Minister, was held in pre-trial detention for two months on charges of calling for the “violent overthrow of the constitutional order” and “publicly insulting senior government officials”. He was released following international pressure. In an address to
PACE in June President Kocharian defended the use of force by police against opposition activists during the 13 April demonstration."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Excessive police brutality against opposition demonstrators ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3037]

"Scores of people were injured and detained when special police units used water cannons and stun grenades to break up a peaceful opposition demonstration in the capital, Yerevan, on 13 April. Four journalists covering the demonstration were reportedly severely beaten by police. Dozens more opposition activists and supporters, including women, were reportedly ill-treated during armed police raids on the head offices of the main opposition parties that same night. According to reports most of these activists were detained in police cells for up to 48 hours. According to human rights groups and opposition parties, those detained at the demonstration and at party offices continued to be beaten and ill-treated at police stations."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

More than 20 religious and human rights organisations operated in 2004; government generally cooperative with international NGOs, no reports of government harassment ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3038]

"During the year, more than 20 local religious and human rights organizations operated in the country.

The Government was generally cooperative with international NGOs, and there were no reports of government harassment of other international human rights NGOs."

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Police prevents opposition members from attending protest rallies ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3039]

"In April, human rights groups reported that police stopped cars from entering the capital in an attempt to prevent opposition members from attending protest rallies."

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Locations where demonstrations can be held without permission limited; registration requirements for all political parties, associations, and secular and religious organisations remained cumbersome, exacting and time-consuming ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3040]

"On April 28, the National Assembly passed a law that lifted the requirement to obtain a government permit to organize rallies or demonstrations. Organizers now must only notify authorities in advance of their plans for such events. However, the new law, which took effect in June, limits the locations where demonstrations can be held without permission. For example, demonstrations in front of government offices, monuments, and venues where another rally or public event is taking place still require a police permit. The law also empowers police to break up illegal rallies and demonstrations, particularly those that encourage violence and the overthrow of the Government.

The Constitution provides for freedom of association; however, there were some limits on this right. Registration requirements for all political parties, associations, and secular and religious organizations remained cumbersome, exacting, and time-consuming. In 2003, the Government compelled some human rights and political organizations to revise their bylaws several times before approving their registration application; however, during the year, no human rights groups or political organizations reported problems with registration"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Constitution provides for freedom of assembly; however, there were some limits on this right ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3041]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of assembly; however, there were some limits on this right.

In March and April, authorities denied several requests from opposition parties for permits to organize rallies and demonstrations in the capital and other cities. The Government did not interfere when small rallies took place without permission. However, between April 13 and 15, police detained and questioned 115 persons in connection with an April 12 and 13 protest rally that attracted an estimated 7,000 persons; approximately 35 persons were detained for up to 15 days (see Sections 1.d. and 3).

On April 13, at approximately 2:00 a.m., police used excessive force to disperse hundreds of protesters who remained in front of the National Assembly and had blocked a major city street for more than 8 hours. A number of protesters sought treatment for injuries at a local hospital, some of which were caused by police use of flash grenades, water cannon, and batons. Police also beat several journalists who covered the opposition rallies (see Section 2.a.) and ransacked opposition party offices after dispersing the protestors.

On April 28, the National Assembly passed a law that lifted the requirement to obtain a government permit to organize rallies or demonstrations. Organizers now must only notify authorities in advance of their plans for such events. However, the new law, which took effect in June, limits the locations where demonstrations can be held without permission. For example, demonstrations in front of government offices, monuments, and venues where another rally or public event is taking place still require a police permit. The law also empowers police to break up illegal rallies and demonstrations, particularly those that encourage violence and the overthrow of the Government"

Document(s): Open document

06.05.2004 - Source: Prima News

Yerevan: About 100 people demonstrate in defence of television company A1+ that was closed down on 2 April 2002 ("Street protests in Yerevan") [#22007],  [ID 3042]

Document(s): Open document

15.04.2004 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Yerevan: Dozens injured or arrested when police dispersed the demonstrators calling for the resignation of President Kocharian ("Armenian President Cracks Down") [#21368],  [ID 3043]

Document(s): Open document

14.04.2004 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

People injured and detained in the police action aimed to forcefully disperse the citizens and journalists gathered in front of the National Assembly ("OSCE Office concerned about violence in Armenia") [#21365],  [ID 3044]

Document(s): Open document

14.03.2004 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Violations of the freedom of assembly and the freedom of movement, documented ("Violations of Political Rights in Armenia") [#21257],  [ID 3045]

Document(s): Open document

08.05.2003 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Due to the absence of a law on holding meetings, rallies and demonstrations, issues related to public meetings were regulated by municipal authorities ("Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Armenia") [#12599],  [ID 3047]

"According to article 26 of the Constitution, “citizens have the right to peaceful assembly…to conduct meetings, rallies, processions and demonstrations.” This right can be limited only during wartime. However, due to the absence of a law on holding meetings, rallies and demonstrations, issues related to public meetings were regulated by municipal authorities. Moreover, article 180 of the Code for Administrative Offenses, that was adopted in 1988 during the Soviet era, provided for administrative punishment for holding meetings, rallies, demonstrations and street processions,” and it was still applied in 2002. Order No. 542 of the Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports of 30 December 2000 prohibited culture and sport facilities from allowing public and political organizations, including political parties, to use their facilities, but the order was not promulgated and thus did not have legal force. However, throughout 2002, cultural and sport facilities and halls were provided to those public and political organizations that claimed to support the president during the upcoming presidential elections."

Document(s): Open document

08.05.2003 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

More than 80 members of opposition parties subjected to administrative punishments in connection with participation in mass meetings, demobstrations and street rallies during 2002 ("Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Armenia") [#12599],  [ID 3048]

"· On April 8, law enforcement officials arrested students distributing leaflets in centre of Yerevan, calling on citizens to attend the opposition rally scheduled for 10 May. The police officers said they were acting on the order of the Police Deputy Chief Petrosyan. The students were released only after a phone call from the Deputy Chief of the Department of the Interior.
· More than 80 people from different opposition parties were subjected to administrative punishments in connection with participation in mass meetings, demonstrations and street rallies held in 2002. Most of the incidents occurred in connection with public meetings in Yerevan, Gumri and Abovyan organized to support the television stations A1+ and Noyan Tapan which had been shut down by the authorities. All the arrestees were accused of violating article 180 and were either fined 500-3,000 drums (€0.86-5) or placed in administrative detention for up to 15 days. However, none of the people were arrested during the demonstrations but in the following night. The court proceedings lasted only a few minutes, witnesses were not heard, and the sentences were handed down without sufficient basis for charges. Most trials were held in the First Instance Court of the Center and the Norq- Marash District of Yerevan, whose Judge Oganesyan stated that the sentences were not subject to appeal. Moreover, on May 21, in one case linked to the demonstrations, the Chairman of the court, Jora Vardanyan ruled against the Chairman of the regional branch of the opposition party Republic, Jora Stepanyan in the defendant’s absence.
· More than 10 citizens were given administrative punishments for participation in the 25 October public event dedicated to the memory of the October 27,1999 terrorist act at Armenia’s parliament and to its victims."

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

The Constitution provides for freedom of assembly, and the Government generally respected this right in practice ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002") [#11840],  [ID 3046]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of assembly, and the Government generally respected this right in practice. Permits are required for demonstrations and marches; however, they were granted routinely.
On May 21, police detained approximately 80 people after opposition political parties staged a rally protesting against closure of A-One Plus television. Most were charged with "participation in public disorder" and either were fined or received an administrative sanction of up to 15 days of detention.
The Constitution provides for freedom of association; however, there were some limits on this right. There are cumbersome registration requirements for all political parties, associations, and organizations. The process of registering an organization is time-consuming, and the Government has compelled some human rights and political organizations to revise their bylaws several times in order to have their registrations accepted; however, none had been denied registration for legal reasons during the year. No human rights or political organizations reported problems with registration during the year."

Document(s): Open document