Tuesday, April 16 2024 22:15

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.