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HR Commissioner - End of his visit to Armenia

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  • HR Commissioner - End of his visit to Armenia

    Commissioner Hammarberg calls on the Armenian government to lift
    emergency measures, ensure media freedom and initiate an impartial
    investigation into recent violent acts

    Strasbourg 18.03.2008 - "The State of Emergency should be lifted in
    Armenia and an independent, impartial and transparent inquiry initiated
    to clarify what actually happened during the confrontations in Yerevan
    between the police and opposition demonstrators on 1 March", said
    Council of Europe Commissioner on Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg after a
    three-day visit to Armenia.

    He held discussions with the President, the Prime Minister and
    President-elect, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Justice, the
    Prosecutor General and the Head of Police. He also met the President of
    the National Assembly, representatives of political parties including
    those in opposition and had a separate meeting with former President and
    presidential candidate Ter-Petrosian.

    Commissioner Hammarberg visited places of detention and interviewed
    persons recently arrested. Furthermore, he visited hospitals and met
    policemen and civilians who had been injured during the violence on 1
    March. He also met with the National Human Rights Defender (ombudsman),
    defence lawyers, representatives of the media, non-governmental
    organisations as well as foreign diplomats and representatives of
    international and regional organizations in Yerevan.

    "The censorship which was introduced with the state of emergency has
    contributed to rumours and anxiety among the population about what was
    happening, at a time when measures to rebuild trust should have been
    promoted. The fact that some pro-government media tended to demonise the
    opposition while opposition papers were out of circulation did not
    contribute to a constructive atmosphere", said Thomas Hammarberg. He
    suggested that all limitations on the media and freedom of expression
    now be lifted.


    "Seven civilians and one policeman were killed and many others were
    injured. There is a need to clarify what actually happened and what
    provoked the outbreak of violence. The two sides describe the events
    very differently and it is important, also in a human rights
    perspective, to establish the basic facts. This can only be done through
    a comprehensive inquiry which is independent, impartial and transparent
    and perceived as credible by the whole population."

    "Such an investigation should also aim at drawing lessons and giving
    recommendations on how similar situations should be handled in future.
    For instance, it seems clear that the Armenian police needs more
    training in acceptable riot control measures, serious mistakes were
    made."


    "The establishment of an inquiry of this kind will not be easy in the
    present polarised climate in Armenia. The international community has
    expressed its willingness to offer participation or other assistance to
    such a comprehensive investigation into the 1 March events in order to
    contribute experience, professionalism and credibility".

    "Demonstrators who committed violent acts should be held accountable, as
    should policemen who used excessive force. However, the arrests and
    prosecutions should not target people for having merely been present at
    the demonstrations or expressed anti-government opinions. The
    Commissioner also calls for the release of all apprehended children
    under 18 years in this connection.

    It appears that some articles of the Criminal Code are interpreted
    broadly by the prosecutors, banning in practice all strong criticism and
    agitation against the government. This is not consistent with the
    European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
    Freedoms."

    Commissioner Hammarberg also stressed the importance of preventing any
    improper treatment of those arrested. There were cases after 1 March
    when the detainees had difficulties to contact family members and to
    have access to a lawyer. Also, the registration of their arrest was not
    done in accordance with national rules in some instances.

    The Commissioner was also told about cases of ill-treatment during
    arrests and in a few cases during transport to the police station. He
    welcomes the decision of the Prosecutor General to investigate ex
    officio all acts of violence committed by police forces against
    demonstrators and passing civilians on 1 March. The Commissioner
    underlines the absolute importance of ensuring respect for agreed
    safeguards against torture and ill-treatment as well as the procedural
    rights of the accused.

    The Commissioner welcomed the statement by the President that the
    current human rights restrictions would be gradually reviewed and
    lifted. He stressed the importance of now bringing the state of
    emergency to an end.

    PRESS RELEASE
    Council of Europe Press Division
    Ref: 197a08
    Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
    Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
    [email protected]
    internet: www.coe.int/press

    To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact :
    [email protected]

    A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
    promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
    common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 47
    member states.
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