Armenian Ombudsperson: Criminal liability for violations of freedom  of speech applicable only in cases of public threat

ArmInfo.Armenia faces  ongoing challenges regarding the use of criminal liability as a preventive measure in cases involving violations of freedom of expression, as stated by Armenian Ombudsperson  Anahit Minasyan in  the National Assembly, while presenting the Human Rights Defender's report.

According to her, there are numerous cases where the boundaries of  freedom of speech have indeed been violated,  and a significant  question remains regarding the  proportionality of the criminal  liability applied.  "It should be remembered that criminal liability  for violating the boundaries of freedom of speech can only be applied  in cases where there is a threat to public safety. This issue  requires special attention," Manasyan noted. She also pointed out the  increase in the number of complaints received by the Human Rights  Defender's office regarding the activities of judicial bodies.  According to Manasyan, compared to 240 complaints in 2024, the number  reached 382 in 2025. "Although the Human Rights Defender's office  cannot interfere in the activities of judicial bodies, given the  large number of complaints, we conducted a substantive analysis. A  number of issues relate to the use of detention and the rights of  individuals with psychological problems," Manasyan noted.

In this regard, she emphasized the need for changes and development  in judicial practice in the country. In this context, Manasyan  specifically focused on the issue of using detention instead of an  alternative preventive measure. "I don't want to discuss specific  cases now, but I will note that the state must develop effective  tools to address this problem," Manasyan stated.

According to her, this issue has not received the attention it  deserves for several years. Complaints in this area, as the  Ombudsperson noted, are also related to delays in criminal  proceedings and issues regarding to the objectivity of  investigations.

Recall that back in 2025, lawyer Aram Vardevanyan warned that in  Armenia, decisions to impose pretrial detention has been truly  unprecedented in recent years.