Source:

For information on labour unions see chapter "Human Rights Issues/NGOs and Human Rights Defenders/Labour Unions" ("Human Rights Issues/NGOs and Human Rights Defenders/Labour Unions") [ID 17275]

Document(s): Human Rights Issues/NGOs and Human Rights Defenders/Labour Unions

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Political prisoners and detainees ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23017]

"In December 2006 law enforcement authorities arrested Zhirayr Sefilian and Vardan Malkhasyan, the leaders of a small hard-line opposition group called the Alliance of Armenian Volunteers, on charges of "public calls for the overthrow of the constitutional order by force" and illegal possession of arms. According to the NSS, Sefilian and his supporters were planning to use force to influence political developments in the country ahead of the May parliamentary elections. Human rights observers charged the arrest was politically motivated and that authorities used the controversial article of the Criminal Code to intimidate the opposition ahead of the May elections. The evidence against Sefilian and Malkhasyan consisted of texts of speeches that they had made in December 2006 during the founding session of the newly established Alliance of Armenian Volunteers. On August 6, the court sentenced Malkhasyan to two years in prison. The court, however, cleared Sefilian on the charges of public calls for violence, and sentenced him instead to 18 months in prison only for illegal possession of arms. Both the defendants and prosecutors appealed the verdicts, with the former denouncing the case as politically motivated. On September 25, a review court in Yerevan upheld the verdicts.
On May 7, the NSS arrested Alexander Arzumanyan, a former foreign minister, prominent member of the Armenian National Movement Party, and head of the small opposition group called the Civil Disobedience Movement. Arzumanyan, who was charged with money laundering, called the arrest politically motivated and denied any illicit activity; he was supported by many human rights activists. Authorities seized more than $50,000 (15 million drams) in cash from Arzumanyan's home at the time of his arrest. On September 6, the NSS released Arzumanyan on his own recognizance. Charges remained pending at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Yerevan: Police reportedly prevented several citizens from distributing leaflets to participants and spectators that called for the release of jailed government critics at the Fourth Pan-Armenian Games ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23112]

"On August 18, at the opening of the Fourth Pan-Armenian Games held in Yerevan, police reportedly prevented several citizens from distributing leaflets to participants and spectators that called for the release of jailed government critics. According to media reports, police briefly detained and later released the three individuals, but confiscated the leaflets they had been distributing.
At the closing ceremony of the Pan-Armenian Games on August 26, police reportedly prevented family members of Levon Gulyan, who died on May 12 in police custody under suspicious circumstances, from distributing leaflets to participants. According to media reports, police at the scene, saying the allegations contained in the leaflets discredited the police force, confiscated the leaflets, and threatened with arrest those who did not voluntarily hand over the leaflets."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Tax inspectors confiscated thousands of newly printed leaflets ordered by the "Alternative" opposition political movement, announcing an opposition rally to be held ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23115]

"On December 6, tax inspectors confiscated thousands of newly printed leaflets ordered by the "Alternative" opposition political movement, announcing an opposition rally to be held in Yerevan on December 8. According to reports, Artak Arakelyan, an opposition activist, was taken into custody for six hours and fined $50 (15,000 drams) on the grounds that he had no documents certifying the origin of the fliers. STS personnel also inspected the Van Arian printing company's books and briefly detained one of its employees."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Authorities arrested members of the political opposition for speeches they made during a political gathering ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23118]

"In December 2006 authorities arrested Zhirayr Sefilian and Vardan Malkhasyan, members of the political opposition, for speeches they made during a political gathering, alleging that the latter were planning to stage a coup."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

In general the government did not restrict academic freedom or cultural events ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23129]

"In general the government did not restrict academic freedom or cultural events. However, on March 15, the administration of Yerevan State University dismissed lecturer Sasun Saribekyan, allegedly for criticizing authorities during lectures and facilitating a meeting between his students and an opposition figure."

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

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Reports that government authorities hindered political party meetings ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23133]

"There were reports that government authorities hindered political party meetings and pressured property owners to evict opposition parties from meeting facilities. Some opposition parties reported that during the parliamentary campaign season local authorities created obstacles to political gatherings in the regions, including urging people not to attend such assemblies, or arranging electrical failures at meeting halls"

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Authorities launched large-scale audits of businesses belonging to a leading businessman and independent member of parliament after he publicly voiced his support for the presidential candidacy of former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23439]

"In October government authorities launched large-scale tax and customs audits of businesses belonging to a leading Armenian businessman and independent member of parliament, Khachatur Sukiasian, and his family, after Sukiasian publicly voiced his support for the presidential candidacy of former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan in October. Two senior executives of Sukiasian-affiliated companies were arrested for alleged tax evasion and remained in custody at year's end in what was alleged to be a politically-motivated crackdown."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

3 unidentified men attacked Narek Galstyan, leader of the Sargis Tkhruni student-youth union of the opposition Social-Democrat Hnchakyan Party (SDHP) ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23440]

"On November 15, three unidentified men attacked and severely beat Narek Galstyan, leader of the Sargis Tkhruni student-youth union of the opposition Social-Democrat Hnchakyan Party (SDHP). The attack came two days after police reportedly detained him and another member of the union for posting leaflets advertising an upcoming rally in support of presidential candidate and former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan. According to the SDHP, police mistreated Galstyan during his detention as retribution for supporting Ter-Petrosyan."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

In advance of the presidential elections the opposition complained of massive harassment by the authorities ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23441]

"In advance of the presidential elections the opposition complained of massive harassment by the authorities. The supporters of presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan accused the police and the NSS of summoning hundreds of opposition supporters for questioning and subjecting them to psychological pressure, intimidation and threats. There were also reports of persons being fired from their jobs for their political views."

Document(s): Open document

02.11.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

More than a dozen opposition parties have strongly condemned arrests of several supporters of former President Ter-Petrosian and demanded that authorities drop “baseless” criminal accusations leveled against them ("Opposition Parties Condemn Case Against Ter-Petrosian Allies") [ID 21508]

Document(s): Open document

31.10.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Editors of opposition newspapers and three oppositional activists are formally charged with hooliganism or assaulting police; the five were detained by police while marching through streets in attempt to inform passers-by about political rally ("Police charge five in connection with Yerevan Francas") [ID 21513]

Document(s): Open document

24.10.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Former President Ter-Petrosian demanded the release of his supporters who were arrested for announcing his rally ("Ter-Petrosian Steps In To Free Detained Loyalists") [ID 21515]

Document(s): Open document

24.10.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

War veteran and regime critic Zhirayr Sefilian is denied parole because of his harsh criticism of the government ("Jailed Oppositionist Denied Parole For ‘Offending State’") [ID 21517]

Document(s): Open document

16.10.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Judge Ohanian dismissed by President Kocharian; Ohanian sees moves as retaliation for his recent acquittal of two businessmen in conflict with the government ("Kocharian Fires ‘Delinquent’ Judge") [ID 21533]

Document(s): Open document

20.09.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Zharangutyun (Heritage) party is seeking the abolition of a controversial clause in Criminal Code that has been used for the prosecution of prominent government critics ("Opposition Party Demands Scrapping Of ‘Political’ Clause In Criminal Code") [ID 21519]

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Following his recent release from prison, former Armenian foreign minister and opposition figure Aleksandr Arzumanian today said that the charges filed against him are ludicrous ("Former Armenian Minister Says Charges 'Ludicrous'") [ID 21521]

Document(s): Open document

07.09.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Former foreign minister Arzumanian surprisingly freed; money laundering charges not dropped ("Opposition Figure Unexpectedly Set Free") [ID 21520]

Document(s): Open document

31.08.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

Media access restricted at Pan-Armenian Games; detention of 3 activists demanding release of political prisoners; several clashes between players ("Pan-Armenian Games Seek Ethnic Unity Amidst Divisions") [ID 21518]

Document(s): Open document

20.08.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Yerevan: Police stopped opposition activists from distributing leaflets during the official opening of the Pan-Armenian games ("Armenian Activists Claim Police Confiscated Leaflets") [ID 21055]

Document(s): Open document

20.08.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Several opposition activists accused police of illegally using force to stop them distributing leaflets demanding release of prominent government critics; they said three of their members were detained ("Police Accused Of Confiscating Opposition Leaflets") [ID 21056]

Document(s): Open document

14.08.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

A Karabakh war veteran convicted for pushing for a violent regime change claims the authorities have been using the penal code as a tool for taking revenge on politicians with opposition views ("Convicted ‘coup plotter’ claims ‘political revenge’") [ID 21054]

Document(s): Open document

06.08.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Court reached verdicts in controversial trial of opposition activists charged with calling for violent regime change in public; Zhirayr Sefilian was acquitted of charge, but found guilty for illegal arms possession; Vartan Malkhasian was found guilty of calling for violent overthrow of government and was sentenced to two years in prison ("Court reaches verdicts in 'coup' trial") [ID 21053]

Document(s): Open document

03.08.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Head of state commission empowered to parole convicts in Armenia denies any political motives behind refusal to free Arman Babajanian, imprisoned editor of pro-opposition newspaper ("Official Denies Political Reasons For Keeping Editor In Jail") [ID 21052]

Document(s): Open document

30.07.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

State prosecutor demands prison sentences of up to 3 years for two arrested opposition activists and one of their supporters accused of plotting to topple government ("Prosecutors Demand Jail Terms For ‘Coup Plotters’") [ID 21051]

Document(s): Open document

18.07.2007 - Source: Armenialiberty

Appeals court refused to reinstate young university professor who was fired earlier this year for criticising government during his lectures ("Court refuses to reinstate 'anti-government' academic") [ID 21050]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

No reports that police beat opposition supporters during the year ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20107]

"Unlike in 2005, when there was a constitutional referendum, there were no reports that police beat opposition supporters during the year. There was no indication that authorities were investigating reports that police beat opposition supporters following the 2005 constitutional referendum (see section 3)."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Editor of opposition newspaper arrested and charged with document forgery and evasion of military service ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20203]

"Armen Babajanian, the editor of the opposition newspaper Yerevan Zhamanak, was arrested on June 26 and charged with document forgery and evasion of military service. He was convicted on September 8. Babajanian admitted his guilt, but his four‑year sentence was somewhat harsher than is customary, and some observers charged that he was the victim of selective enforcement.
Apart from this possible exception, there were no reports of political prisoners or detainees."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Harassment of opposition supporters; eviction of the opposition Heritage Party from its offices ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20322]

"Authorities harassed opposition supporters. On March 4, the Ministry of Justice's Department of State Property Management, armed with a court order, evicted the opposition Heritage Party from its offices, ostensibly over a lease dispute. When the party staff was allowed to return temporarily on May 29, they reported that their central computer had been hacked on March 8. Party officials reported instances of harassment of party members throughout the country after March 8 and attributed them to the hacking of the computer, which contained addresses and telephone numbers of party members."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Orinats Yerkir party lost many members following its withdrawal from the governing coalition; reports that members were threatened with loss of employment and the closure of their businesses ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20323]

"The Orinats Yerkir party lost many members following its withdrawal from the governing coalition on May 12. Party leader Artur Baghdasarian asserted later that the president's office had pressured them to leave the faction, and there were reports that members were threatened with loss of employment and the closure of their businesses."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Crackdown on opposition supporters across the country following antigovernment protests in 2004 ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 17683]

"The authorities' poor human rights record deteriorated further in the spring of 2004, when the Armenian opposition launched a campaign of antigovernment protests in a bid to replicate the November 2003 Rose Revolution in neighboring Georgia. Kocharian's regime responded with an unprecedented crackdown on opposition supporters across the country. Hundreds were arrested and sentenced to up to 15 days in prison on trumped-up petty charges under the Soviet-era code of administrative offenses. Very few of them had access to lawyers or a public trial.

Police also arrested several opposition leaders in April 2004 and charged them with calling for a "violent overthrow of the government." The authorities released the leaders three months later under pressure from the Council of Europe. Around that time, two other prominent opposition figures and a human rights activist were assaulted in Yerevan. The assailants were never brought to justice. The victims described them as burly men with very short haircuts, resembling in their appearance bodyguards for government-connected oligarchs. 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

03.04.2006 - Source: Armenialiberty

Opposition leader Hovannisian apparently under pressure to leave the country after the closure of offices of his Heritage party and state television allegations made against his wife ("Opposition Leader Defies Government ‘Intimidation’") [#48197],  [ID 18841]

Document(s): Open document

03.04.2006 - Source: Armenialiberty

Nagorno-Karabakh: Yerkrapah leader shot and wounded by a gunman, apparently as a result of a business dispute ("Yerkrapah leader survives apparent assassination bid") [#48195],  [ID 18842]

Document(s): Open document

24.03.2006 - Source: Armenialiberty

Closure of the office of the opposition Heritage party this month apparently paralysed the party`s activities ("Opposition party says office closure has paralysed its work") [#48189],  [ID 18846]

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Police reportedly beat opposition supporters in November 2005 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15698]

"In November police reportedly beat opposition supporters detained briefly following the marred constitutional referendum [...]."

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

No reports of politically motivated detentions in 2005 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15705]

"There were no reports of politically motivated arrests resulting in continued detention at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Rally organised by New Times Party disrupted by police; evictions of opposition parties ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15774]

"An April 20 rally organized by the New Times Party in Sevan was disrupted when a scuffle between progovernment and opposition supporters ended in a nonfatal shooting. New Times Party leader Aram Karapetyan accused government authorities of initiating the violence and called for an investigation. Other observers, including the police, opposition members and pro-government parties blamed Karapetyan for staging an unauthorized event that endangered the public. By year's end there were no developments in the investigation.

There were reports that government authorities hindered political party meetings and pressured property owners to evict opposition parties from meeting facilities. On May 10, Aram Karapetyan announced his party had been evicted from its headquarters in Yerevan after government officials pressured the landlord to evict him. "

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

No human rights groups or political organisations reported problems with registration ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 15775]

"The law provides for freedom of association, and the government generally respected it in practice. Registration requirements for all political parties, associations, and secular and religious organizations remainedcumbersome, exacting, and time‑consuming. The law stipulates the right to form associations, including political parties and trade unions, except for persons serving in the armed services and law enforcement agencies. As in previous years, no human rights groups or political organizations reported problems with registration."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Harassment of opposition supporters by authorities; NGO training session for opposition party closed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46111],  [ID 17112]

"Authorities harassed opposition supporters, including by using politically motivated arrests. On June 30, NSS officers closed an international NGO training session for members of the local branch of an opposition party in Armavir. Authorities confiscated training materials and reportedly harassed event organizers. 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."

Document(s): Open document

01.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Violent incidents during 2 opposition rallies ("World Report 2006") [#42310],  [ID 17652]

"One such incident occurred on April 20, when the head of the New Times political party, Aram Karapetian, held a public meeting with residents in the town of Sevan. Unidentified people began fighting with rally participants, and one shot and injured in the leg a university student who was participating in the rally. A police investigation concluded that the rally participants had themselves incited the disturbances, and no one was charged in relation to the shooting. In another incident in May, police reportedly threatened to detain people who wanted to attend a rally of the opposition People’s Party of Armenia in a village near Yerevan."

Document(s): Open document

01.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Opposition supporters tortured, Turkish scholar detained and denied access to legal counsel ("World Report 2006") [#42310],  [ID 17654]

"In May 2005, police allegedly beat supporters of an independent candidate, Artur Shaboyan, in local elections in the town of Hrazdan. According to media reports, police used batons and electric-shock equipment to attack Shaboyan supporters outside several polling stations.

In June, law enforcement authorities arrested Yektan Turkyilmaz, a Turkish scholar who had been carrying out historical research using Armenian archives, for failing to obtain official permission to take old books out of the country. After his arrest, security officers questioned him and his associates about his research and political views. They denied him access to a lawyer for two days and then provided him with a state-appointed lawyer, not of his choice. In August, after significant international pressure, he  was released on a two-year suspended prison sentence."

Document(s): Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Opposition activist sentenced to 1,5 years imprisonment for attacking police officer; claimed to have acted in self-defence ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3145]

"In May Edgar Arakelian, a 24-year-old opposition activist, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for “attacking a state official performing their duties” during the 13 April demonstration. He admitted hitting a police officer with an empty plastic bottle but claimed he had acted in self-defence after the police officer had hit him, breaking his front teeth. He alleged in court that he had been tortured in pre-trial detention. In August the Appeals Court upheld his sentence. He was released in September after serving a third of his sentence."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Opposition member detained for 2 months and released following international pressure; president Kocharian defended use of force on 13 April ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3146]

"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

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) condemning use of force by police during opposition protests ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3147]

"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."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Excessive police brutality against opposition demonstrators ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3148]

"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

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Opposition supporters arrested and partly sentenced to 15 days imprisonment after protest campaign ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3149]

"From February onwards, opposition party deputies boycotted parliament in protest at its refusal to approve a referendum of confidence in the President. Opposition political parties then launched a two-month campaign of mass public protests, including street demonstrations, demanding the President’s resignation. The authorities described the campaign as a coup attempt and opened a criminal investigation into the opposition Artarutyun (Justice) alliance. This investigation reportedly ended in September without any charges being brought. The opposition denied calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order. During their campaign, hundreds of opposition supporters were detained and dozens were sentenced to 15 days’ administrative detention after trials that reportedly fell far short of international fair trial standards."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Assaults on activists and journalists ("Annual Report 2005") [#32286],  [ID 3150]

"At an opposition rally on 5 April police reportedly refused to intervene when around two dozen men, described as athletically built with shaven heads, disrupted the event and attacked journalists, kicking and beating them and breaking their equipment. In June a Yerevan court ordered two men to pay a small fine for their part in the incident. Three men of a similar description allegedly assaulted and critically injured opposition politician Ashot Manucharian in Yerevan on 22 April. Police reportedly suspended the investigation into the assault in June after failing to identify the perpetrators. In September police questioned a man identified by Ashot Manucharian as one of the perpetrators. However, no charges were brought.

Human rights activist Mikael Danielyan was attacked outside his home by four unknown assailants on 30 March. He was reportedly punched in the head and kicked after he fell to the ground. He believed that the attack was related to his human rights work. President Kocharian reportedly ordered an investigation into the attack. However, the investigation failed to identify any perpetrators."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Authorities denied several requests fro opposition parties for permission of protest rallies; police used excessive force against protesters on 13 April 2004 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3151]

"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."

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Arbitrary detention during and even in anticipation of protest rallies ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29491],  [ID 3152]

"During protest rallies in the spring, arbitrary detention was a problem. According to the country's Human Rights Ombudsman and a human rights NGO, between April 13 and 15 police detained and questioned 115 individuals in connection with an April 12-13 protest rally. Approximately 35 were held in detention for up to 15 days under a Soviet-era law that prescribes administrative detention (see Section 2.b.).

On May 20, police detained up to 25 opposition activists in anticipation of an opposition rally. According to media reports and opposition sources, the authorities fined and released some of the activists; however, more than a dozen were detained for up to 10 days under the administrative detention law for using foul language and insulting police officers. In most of these cases, defense attorneys were not allowed to meet with detainees until after court proceedings were completed. The rallies took place as planned, and they proceeded peacefully."

Document(s): Open document

26.04.2004 - Source: Prima News

Yerevan: 3 unknown men beat up Ashot Manucharian, political council member of Union of Socialist Forces and Intelligentsia of Armenia ("Attack on Ashot Manoucharyan") [#21653],  [ID 3153]

Document(s): Open document

26.04.2004 - Source: Caucasian Knot

Human rights organisations consider beating of Ashot Manucharian part of common scenario ("Armenian rights defenders consider beating of Ashot Manucharian part of common scenario") [#21644],  [ID 3154]

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2004 - Source: Caucasian Knot

Former foreign minister Ashot Manucharian savagely beaten by three unknown people ("Outstanding politician savagely beaten in Yerevan") [#21643],  [ID 3155]

Document(s): Open document

30.03.2004 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Chairman of the Armenian Helsinki Association Mikael Danielyan attacked and beaten by four assailants ("Chairman of Armenian Helsinki Association Mikael Danielyan Assaulted in Yerevan") [#20865],  [ID 3156]

Document(s): Open document

16.09.2003 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

According to information available to UNHCR, there is currently no discrimination due to political affiliation ("Background information; situation of ethnic minorities; groups possibly at risk: religious minorities, members of opposition, homosexuals, deserters") [#47207],  [ID 3160]

"141. According to information available to UNHCR, there is currently no discrimination towards individuals based on their membership of any political organization existing in Armenia. According to the Council of Europe, there are no political prisoners in Armenia."

Document(s): Open document

16.09.2003 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees reported in connection with court proceedings against the Dashnak party in 1995 ("Background information; situation of ethnic minorities; groups possibly at risk: religious minorities, members of opposition, homosexuals, deserters") [#47207],  [ID 3161]

"147. Allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees were reported in connection with court proceedings against the Dashnak party in 1995; one activist died while in police custody. Judicial and procedural irregularities were reported throughout these cases. The actions of the Armenian Government against the Dashnak Party were essentially limited to high-ranking party members and/or persons suspected of being involved in the clandestine organisation Dro. There are no indications that other members were arrested or subjected to harassment only due to their membership of the Dashnak Party.
148. In 1998, President Kocharyan overturned the verdicts in the Dashnak cases and all detained members were subsequently released. A previously detained Dashnak leader, Vahan Hovhannisian, served as special advisor to President Kocharyan from 1998 to 1999 and presently holds the post of Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly. Other members of the party also hold influential positions, including cabinet posts. Dashnak newspapers and publications have again become available to the public. The party is now registered and it has re-established itself in Armenia as a regular and influential political force."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Administrative detention of hundreds of opposition activists during presidential elections ("The Use of Administrative Detention in the 2003 Armenian Presidential Election") [#12939],  [ID 3162]

"Since the mid-1990s, Armenian authorities have used administrative detention as a tool of repression, locking up protesters and activists at times of political tension. The 2003 presidential election and its aftermath mark the most sustained, extensive abuses in the last seven years. In February and March 2003, the police used the Code of Administrative Offenses, which sets out penalties for public order misdemeanors, to lock up dozens of opposition activists and supporters for periods of up to fifteen days. The police and courts applied the Code arbitrarily, claiming that opposition rallies and marches were "threats to public order" or "unauthorized," and that any of the tens of thousands of participants could be punished. The arrests disrupted the opposition candidate's campaign, and intimidated opposition supporters engaged in peacefully protesting the election result. They appeared aimed at stifling public criticism of the conduct of the vote-which was won by incumbent President Robert Kocharian, amid serious claims of election fraud."

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 3163]

"· 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

10.04.2003 - Source: Prima News

Over 50 people were injured in clashes between demonstrators and police in Yerevan; demonstrators were protesting against the inauguration of the recently re-elected president Kocharian ("Clashes in Yerevan") [#15859],  [ID 3164]

Document(s): Open document

01.04.2003 - Source: EurasiaNet

At least 69 opposition supporters attending pro-Demirchian rallies sentenced to jail for "disrupting public order"/ sentences come ahead of parliamentary elections that are scheduled for May ("A tense Armenia gears up for another election") [#11779],  [ID 3166]

"The post-election tensions could rise further during the announcement of the court's verdict (which is unlikely to favor Demirchian) and Kocharian's inauguration ceremony later this month. Authorities, meanwhile, continue to arrest and jail scores of opposition supporters attending pro-Demirchian rallies. Government sources say that at least 69 people were sentenced to up to 15 days in jail from March 17-25 alone for "disrupting public order" and other alleged offenses. However, the opposition demonstrations have been remarkably peaceful and, with the detainees' trials held behind closed doors in violation of Armenian law, the authorities have not offered any proof of their charges."

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

Domestic and international human rights groups generally operated without government restrictions ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002") [#11840],  [ID 3157]

"A number of domestic and international human rights groups generally operated without government restrictions, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials were somewhat cooperative and responsive to their views. Public access to information on human rights cases was adequate, and there was extensive media coverage of significant court cases; however, civilian and military prosecutors have been less open since the October 1999 shootings."

Document(s): Open document

18.03.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Arthur Sakunts, leader of the Vanadzor branch of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly (HCA), detained by police, the day after after the organization’s office was firebombed ("Human Rights Defender Imprisoned, Office Set On Fire") [#11491],  [ID 3158]

"Police detained Arthur Sakunts, leader of the Vanadzor branch of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly (HCA), the day after the organization’s office was firebombed.
The HCA of Vanadzor, a town in northern Armenia, fielded observers in the recent presidential election, and planned a public meeting on March 15 to protest alleged poll violations. The arson attack and arrest followed growing pressure on the organization from the local authorities. [...]
Sakunts is the first human rights defender to be arrested in the wave of arrests following the February 19 first round and March 5 runoff presidential elections. Victims of arrests, intimidation and punitive job dismissals to date have been either members of the political opposition, their relatives, or bus drivers who ferried people to opposition rallies. [...]
At midday on Saturday March 15, up to fifty people assembled outside the HCA Vanadzor office, under the slogan “Defend Your Vote.” Police dispersed the gathering and led Sakunts away, supposedly to have a discussion with the local police chief.
In a practice that has become common in recent weeks, the informal “discussion” with Sakunts was transformed into police detention on a public order misdemeanor charge, under Armenia’s controversial, Soviet-era Code of Administrative Offenses. After a brief hearing, a court sentenced Sakunts to ten days of administrative detention.
Human Rights Watch and the Vanadzor HCA had planned joint research on the abusive practice of administrative detention. Armenian authorities use administrative detention to punish and intimidate demonstrators and political activists, and use it in more routine police work to circumvent due process guarantees for criminal suspects.
Post-election rallies have continued in support of Stepan Demirchian, who was defeated by incumbent president Robert Kocharian the March 5 runoff, which was marred by ballot stuffing and intimidation."

Document(s): Open document

07.03.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Presidential election runoff marred by intimidation and pressure on opposition activists ("Armenia: Election Marred by Intimidation, Ballot Stuffing") [#11286],  [ID 3167]

"The Demirchian campaign told Human Rights Watch that in the evening, police, fellow election commission members, and unidentified thugs at many polling stations had bullied Demirchian’s commission members and proxies or thrown them out of the polling stations altogether, making it impossible for them to monitor the vote count. [...]
Pressure on opposition activists has included several waves of arrests on administrative and criminal charges during the last two weeks; arrests continued on election day [...]. Opposition activists in areas where Kocharian fared badly in the first round appear to have been particularly targeted."

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

150 supporters of Stepan Demirchian, the challenger to incumbent President Robert Kocharian, arrested by police/ detentions of opposition campaign officials threaten the integrity of Armenia’s March 5 presidential election runoff ("Armenia: Mass Arrests Before Runoff") [#11081],  [ID 3169]

"Since February 20, three largely peaceful Demirchian rallies have taken place in Yerevan. The municipal government withheld authorization from the first two. [...]

Justice Ministry spokesman Ara Saghatelian revealed today that district courts had imposed administrative penalties against 150 people. [...]
Armenian authorities would not identify what specific acts justified the charges, and in a statement to the press instead referred to some of the detainees’ alleged prior criminal records. Monitors and lawyers could not clarify the grounds for the charges because they were not admitted to the court hearings. [...]
The president of the court yesterday confirmed to Human Rights Watch that none of the accused had legal representation."

Document(s): Open document

05.02.2003 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hayk Babukhanyan, member of the campaign team of presidential candidate Aram Karapetyan, stabbed during rally in Atarshat ("OSCE/ODIHR condemns violence in run-up to Armenian presidential election") [#10958],  [ID 3170]

"The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) strongly condemned the violent incident involving Hayk Babukhanyan, a member of the campaign team of presidential candidate Aram Karapetyan. Mr. Babukhanyan was hospitalized after being stabbed by unknown persons yesterday during a campaign rally in the town of Artashat. [...]
The ODIHR has established a long-term Observation Mission to monitor all aspects of the election process before, during and after the election, which is scheduled for 19 February."

Document(s): Open document

20.01.2002 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on political prisoners ("Political prisoners in Azerbaijan and Armenia: Amnesty International's concerns and recommendations") [#18720],  [ID 3159]

Document(s): Open document

11.12.1996 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International appeals against the death sentences of three political prisoners ("Amnesty International appeals against the death sentences of three political prisoners") [#378],  [ID 3171]

"President Levon Ter-Petrosyan of Armenia should immediately commute the death sentences of Arsen Artsruni, Armen Grigorian and Armenak Mjnoyan -- three political prisoners who were sentenced to death yesterday amid continuing allegations that their year-long trial was unfair, Amnesty International said today. [...]
We are particularly concerned about allegations that several defendants were beaten or ill-treated in order to extract confessions, and that some had difficulties in getting access to a lawyer of their own choice, Amnesty International said. [...]
The 11 defendants have been on trial in the so-called Dro case, accused of forming a clandestine terrorist group within the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Charges against them ranged from withholding information to illegal possession of weapons and premeditated murder. A 12th defendant, Ardavast Manukian, died in custody in May last year amid allegations that before his death he was denied adequate medical care for a range of health problems for several weeks.

President Levon Ter-Petrosyan has stated that he is personally opposed to the death penalty, and his office has assured Amnesty International that no executions have taken place, or will take place, during his term of office. It appears, however, that the President has not correspondingly used his authority to commute pending death sentences. This means that those currently on death row, believed to number 13 before this trial, may have been waiting years without knowing when they may expect their clemency appeals to be heard, or what the outcome may be."

Document(s): Open document

11.12.1996 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International appeals against the death sentences of three political prisoners ("Amnesty International appeals against the death sentences of three political prisoners") [#378],  [ID 3172]

"President Levon Ter-Petrosyan of Armenia should immediately commute the death sentences of Arsen Artsruni, Armen Grigorian and Armenak Mjnoyan -- three political prisoners who were sentenced to death yesterday amid continuing allegations that their year-long trial was unfair, Amnesty International said today. [...]
We are particularly concerned about allegations that several defendants were beaten or ill-treated in order to extract confessions, and that some had difficulties in getting access to a lawyer of their own choice, Amnesty International said. [...]
The 11 defendants have been on trial in the so-called Dro case, accused of forming a clandestine terrorist group within the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Charges against them ranged from withholding information to illegal possession of weapons and premeditated murder. A 12th defendant, Ardavast Manukian, died in custody in May last year amid allegations that before his death he was denied adequate medical care for a range of health problems for several weeks.

President Levon Ter-Petrosyan has stated that he is personally opposed to the death penalty, and his office has assured Amnesty International that no executions have taken place, or will take place, during his term of office. It appears, however, that the President has not correspondingly used his authority to commute pending death sentences. This means that those currently on death row, believed to number 13 before this trial, may have been waiting years without knowing when they may expect their clemency appeals to be heard, or what the outcome may be."

Document(s): Open document

08.10.1996 - Source: Amnesty International

Several opposition supporters beaten during and after their detention by law enforcement officials following protests which turned violent over last months disputed elections ("Amnesty International calls for investigations into beatings of opposition supporters following election protests") [#49524],  [ID 3173]

"Amnesty International is alarmed at reports that a number of opposition supporters were beaten in Armenia during and after their detention by law enforcement officials following protests which turned violent over last months disputed elections. [...]
Official results from the 22 September presidential elections in Armenia which returned the incumbent, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, for a further five-year term were fiercely disputed by supporters of opposition candidate Vazgen Manukyan. Tensions came to a head after three days of street protests in the capital, Yerevan, on 25 September. Supporters of Vazgen Manukyan forcibly entered the grounds of the parliament building leading to clashes with law enforcement officials. Those injured as a result, put at 59 by official sources, included the parliamentary speaker and his deputy, were reportedly assaulted by members of the crowd.
A ban on demonstrations is now in force. Criminal proceedings are said to have been instituted against eight members of parliament on charges which include an attempted coup detat. Unofficial sources, however, claim that more than 100 opposition supporters were picked up in a wave of detentions after the events at parliament. Many were beaten while being detained or when in custody."

Document(s): Open document