December 10 is celebrated as Human Rights Day. We thought that maybe at least today there would be someone fair refusing from their hypocritical principles and histrionic phrases. We know the real reason of this problem.
We were just waiting to find out where this impudence, hypocrisy and political blindness would lead. And our expectations were justified - its name is “double standards”. I call it hypocrisy and political impudence; in diplomatic language it is called speculation on “democracy”, “human rights”, “violation of freedom of speech” and other values. What is it? We won’t write about the political situation, hunger and poverty in West’s pet Armenia. What was written and said is more than enough. It will be just a “reminder” to those who blame Azerbaijan in the violation of human rights, oppression of the media, as well as presence of political prisoners.
This article consists of three parts. The first part will describe the oppressions against the media in Armenia in the last 3-4 years, the second part will be dedicated to the despotic behavior of the police officers and injustice of the courts; the third part will discuss the pressure against the opposition and political prisoners in this country.
Fist of all, let’s make it clear – why Azerbaijan? No need for long litany: if there are those who think it is all about human rights – you can leave it here. Don’t you see the connection between this double approach as well as the pressure against Azerbaijan with the independent will and behavior of the country?
In response to any problem the power states are using different values such as “democracy” or “human rights” (or “defense of minorities”) or “non-intervention in the internal affairs” – in order to justify themselves or their allies, encourage them and achieve the decision that is favorable – or in other cases, in order to defeat their rivals, oppress or penalize the independent states for making them cringe. But these principles cannot coordinate with each other: the principle of “non-intervention in the internal affairs” respecting the political rights of the state contradicts the “human rights” opening many ways to intervene in the internal affairs; “democracy” defending the governance of the majority over the minority confronts the “defense of the rights of minorities” demanding the exception in the decision of the majority; “inviolability of borders” or “respect for the territorial integrity” is opposed to “the nations right to self-determination”.
This is exactly the result of these double standards that are imposed by some countries who blame independent states for any violations at elections; at the same time they support such countries as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, although there is even no notion as election system in these countries.
This is the approach that is used by the country which transformed the Caucasus into a powder keg and has occupied the territories of its neighbor for more than 22 years and still accuses impudently this country in the violation of human rights. There would be no more headache for Azerbaijan and the whole region if the West as the paragon of justice gave only 15 minutes of its lesson to the Armenian fascist government, the lesson they had already given to the so called terrorist, occupant, authoritarian and “dictatorship” countries such as Libya, Egypt and Tunisia.
Yes, these investigations show that there is a reason that led to the weakening of opposition and press in Armenia, flourishing of corruption, as well as the growth of amount of people leaving the country. These facts prove that this is Sargsyan’s dictatorship ruling the country that will make these people suffer until the last Armenian leaves the country. The oppressions and physical attacks on the opposition leaders is the part of this policy.
Those who follow the news about Armenian media know that recently a big “hunt” started against the opposition leaders and civil activists in Armenia. The country’s law-enforcement authorities and court system echo the decisions of Sargsyan.
Thus, let’s start with the facts.
Freedom of press? In Armenia? You must be kidding...
Fact 1. “Nowadays there is no freedom of speech in Armenia” – these are the words of the president of “Journalists for Human Rights” NGO Zhanna Aleksanyan (May 2, 2014). In her opinion, the government doesn’t take any measures to defend the freedom of press in the country, actually they don’t even need it. The government aims at destroying independent press.
Fact 2. On December 20, 2013 the police stopped journalists that gathered in front of the building of Parliament in Yerevan. The police cordon hampered their movement and did not explain the reason.
Fact 3. The oppression against journalists is growing (December 19, 2013, A1+)
This idea was mentioned during the discussion at “Media Center” on the topic of “Human rights in Armenia: the outcomes of the year”.
“I am sure that the situation with the human rights in Armenia is worsening every year”, said the chairman of Armenian Helsinki Committee Avetik Ishkhanyan. “Courts are following the directions of the executive power. We cannot expect justice from courts because there are no courts. One cannot talk about human rights in such conditions”. The chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression Ashot Melikyan released the facts on the previous year and said that the situation with the freedom of press worsened more: during 9 months in 2013 journalists were attacked 7 times, and 49 times they were persecuted.
Fact 4. A journalist against the vice-speaker of Parliament Hermineh Naghdalian (June 26, 2014)
Parliament’s Committee on Ethics dismissed the complaint of a journalist against the vice-speaker of Parliament. Journalist Arevik Isajanian wanted to ask her a question regarding her business activity. In response the vice-speaker insulted her and called her “ignorant”. The response of the Committee was that the appeal could not process the complaint because what happened was a private conversation between two persons.
Fact 5. Member of Parliament Petrosian abused journalists (May 19, 2014)
The journalist of Radio “Liberty” asked the member of parliament Shushan Petrosian about the incident that had happened near the “Vernissage” market and the MP called the journalist “immoral”. Then, the reporter of “Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” newspaper approached Petrosian and wanted to ask why she allowed herself to insult journalists, but the latter said: "Get out of here!"
Fact 6. Member of parliament said to the journalist: “Get out of here or I’ll break your jaw!” (December 19, 2012)
The correspondent of «А1+» TV channel approached the member of parliament Mher Sedrakyan in order to ask a question, but the MP threatened him by saying: “Get out of here or I’ll break your jaw!”. Noone reacted on the complaint of the journalist.
Fact 7. In 2012 the journalists’ rights were violated 16 times
According to the information given by the chairman of Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression Ashot Melikyan, the rights of journalists were violated 16 times in 2012. As he said, on September 9 and 23, 2012 five violations were registered, one journalist was deprived of his right to obtain and spread information.
Fact 8. During 9 months in 2012 there were nine cases opened against journalists.
Fact 9. During that period a media representative was beaten. The cameraman of “Tsayg” TV agency was harshly beaten on the day of municipal election.
Fact 10. The criminal case opened against the person who attacked the correspondent of Radio “Liberty” was dismissed.
In 2012 one Armenian journalist was beaten, 10 journalists were bailed and 6 journalists were deprived of their right to obtain and spread information.
Fact 11. The police watched journalist being beaten (December 3, 2012)
During the election campaign Irina Ovannisyan, the correspondent of Radio “Liberty” was taken by the police and they watched her being beaten by an unknown group of young people. The investigation was dismissed. The candidate deputy Styopa Safaryan spread this information on his facebook page.
Fact 12. The President’s Office prohibited the journalists
The “Asparez” journalist club spread this information. “During Sargsyan’s trip to Gumru local journalists were trying to get him interviewed, but they were prohibited. “Gumru Asparez”, www.asparez.am, “Khingshabti”, “Tsayg” TV agency, Radio “Liberty” and “Aravot” newspapers were among those who were embargoed.
“Asparez” condemned such a disrespect to journalists and called it a discrimination against media representatives.
Fact 13. A journalist was beaten
The editor of the Yerevan office of “Regnum” Agency Robert Grdzelyan was beaten by the prosecutor of Kotayk district Movses Manrikyan and 3 more people. Although an investigation was opened, but no administrative measures were taken.
Fact 14. A police officer did not return a journalist’s camera (December 3, 2013)
During the visit of Russian President V. Putin to Yerevan, there was a clash between the protesters and police officers.
The correspondent of “Grapark” newspaper Vardan Misanyan was one of those who were detained: “A few civilians put me by force in a car. I wanted to call the editor’s office, but one of them punched me and the telephone fell out of my hands. At the police station they treated me as a journalist relatively well. At the same time, they didn’t give my camera back”.
Fact 15. The head of Yerevan Police Department Ashot Karaptyan was asked why the police officers were treating in such a violent way, and he responded: “It would be better if you get out of here”.
Fact 16. A criminal case was opened on the fact of journalist beaten, but it was dismissed (April 27, 2013)
On April 23, 2013 a journalist was beaten during the election of Yerevan City Council, but although the case was opened, the process had no real actions.
Fact 17. Journalists were beaten again (April 9, 2013)
There was a fight between the police and the opposition activists in front of the President’s Office. The police used force against the demonstrators. There were lots of people who were beaten and wounded. During this incident the journalists who were covering the story were also beaten. One of the journalists was trying to present himself, but the policeman’s answer was: “I don’t care, if I said go, you have to go”.
Fact 18. The correspondent of “Aykakan Zhamanak” newspaper was arrested. (February 3, 2012)
The senior secretary of “Aykakan Zhamanak” newspaper Ayk Gevorkian was arrested. A criminal case was opened against him on “violating road regulations” and “being in search and not coming”. Human rights activists and members of parliament expressed their opinion on the arrest of the journalist. Member of parliament Armen Martirosyan said: “This arrest shows that the law-enforcement authorities are far from justice”.
NGOs also condemned the arrest of Ayk Gevorkian. In their statements NGOs said that the arrest was staged. In fact, Gevorkian was the most criticizing journalist who investigated the corruption cases and business crimes of the government.
The Armenian National Congress denounced Sargsyan for oppressing the press and freedom of expression.
Fact 19. Kocharyan sued a newspaper. (June 30, 2011)
Robert Kocharyan sued the “Graparak” newspaper for the insult of his honor and political image.
Fact 20. A journalist’s car was burned. (January 17, 2011)
On January 16 a car of the owner of “Lori” TV company Narina Avtisayan was burned. The information was spread by the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly.
This is the 3rd assault on Avetisyan in recent 5 years. She is famous for her critical writing.
The Vanadzor office condemned the silence of the law-enforcement authorities. They are worried for the atmosphere of impunity in the country.
Fact 21. Vahe Avetyan (December 12, 2013)
A famous writer, blogger, political refugee and dissident Vahe Avetyan was detained at the “Zvartnots” airport in Yerevan after coming back from Stockholm. In 1992 a criminal case on the illegal possession of gun was opened against this Armenian dissident who was living in Sweden. After being detained he was kept in prison for 3 days and was then released after the MFA’s intervention. Avetyan was one of the founders of the Armenian Republicans Party.
He wrote on his facebook page:
“I don’t remember the last time when I’ve seen so many good Armenians in one place. We were seven people in one cell. I am neither lawyer, nor human rights activist, but I can prove that 5 of those 7 would be acquitted not guilty by any court of the world. The other two would not even be judged in a civil world. These people are living and working in inhuman conditions. Even Jewish directors wouldn’t be able to create such decorations if they shot a movie about “death camps” of fascist Germany.”
Avetyan is one of those few Armenians who openly condemns the Armenians and calls them guilty in the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
Fact 22. Radio “Liberty” was the only foreign media broadcasting in the country. It was closed after the decision of the parliament.
On Juny 29, 2007 during the discussion at the parliament the votes were 79 yeas to 16 nays and as a result, all the foreign Radio and TV channels were prohibited to be broadcasted on the frequency of the Armenian Public Radio and Television. Experts say this decision aimed at the broadcast of Radio “Liberty”. It was a legal step on the termination of the activity of the second influential opposition media in Armenia. Similarly the only herald of the opposition “A+” TV channel was closed just before the election of 2003.
Fact 23. Criminal case against a journalist
On February 12, 2014 a criminal case was opened against the columnist of «Armenia Today» website Argishti Kivirian.
According to the case No. 14142513 the journalist was accused in assaulting and intimidating the government representative.
Kivirian was one of those who protested against the illegal construction at the 5, Komitas avenue and supported the neighbors living there. The police officers have beaten him at the police station. Despite the evidence, the case was opened not against the police officers who used the force, but against the journalist for “beating the police officer and crushing his face against the car door”
On November 7, 2013 Kivirian was charged on second count according to the article 333 of the RA Criminal Code (false crime reporting) but on January 13, 2014 the second count was dropped. Kivirian was suggested amnesty but refused.
The human rights activists said that Kivirian was persecuted for his political views and journalist activity. Until that moment he was accused in 3 different administrative cases. During that period he was beaten several times but no cases were opened.
“Human Rigths Watch” appealed to the head of the Special Investigation Service Vagram Shirinian to take criminal proceedings against those who attacked on Kivirian.
After that the supporters of Kivirian held a protest demonstration with the slogans of “Agishti is not alone!” and “No more political prisoners”.
Fact 24. An unbelievable confession from the law-enforcement authorities: the official who had attacked the journalist was set free for no evidence
The Special Investigation Service (SIS) closed the criminal case against the official who attacked the correspondent of “A+” TV channel Marina Khachatryan. They said there was no criminal motive in the actions of the commander of the Defense and Security Service of the Armenian Parliament Karen Ayrapetyan. The investigator Avetisyan in his statement to the press said that the criminal case was closed because there was no evident fact to prove Ayrapetyan’s guilt.
On September 9, during the action of the “Retaliation” art-group the commander of the Defense and Security Service of the Armenian Parliament Karen Ayrapetyan punched Ms. Khachatryan and threw her tablet. The correspondent of epress.am who had witnessed the incident and shot it on his camera was summoned to the SIS and was released after the interrogation.
Interestingly, the person who attacked the journalist had hampered the protest demonstration of journalists in December 2013 and tore into pieces their posters.
Fact 25. A journalist of “Armenia” TV was fired because of mentioning political prisoners in his programme (2013)
Armenia’s famous actor and TV presenter Ovanes Azoyan used an expression of “political prisoner Nikol Pashinyan” during the live TV show. The showman Avet Barsegyan and singer Smik Karapetyan hosted the show. In the first part of the show Azoyan said that “finally the political prisoners, including journalist Nikol Pashinyan, were set free”. In the second part of the show the leadership of the TV channel joined the show (although it was not planned in advance). He tried to smooth Azoyan’s serious mistake, but the TV host defended his colleague. As a result, on the next day he was fired for “being late for work”.
Fact 26. In Armenia a journalist is a potential political prisoner
The “Haykakan Zhamanak” newspaper organized a demonstration in support of political prisoner and the founder of the newspaper Nikol Pashinyan in front of the monument to Sarayan. “Probably someone may not share Pashinyan’s political views. But everyone has to defend his colleague who is now in prison. Especially when there was an attempt on his life” – said the human rights advocate Vardan Arutunyan. “Just imagine for a moment – Pashinyan is in prison. Even while sleeping he can be attacked or even killed. Defending Nikol we defend ourselves”.
Fact 27. Violence of the Armenian police against journalists (Armenia Today, 14.02.2014)
On February 12, 2014 at 19-00 on Yerevan’s Mashtoch avenue the police took the correspondent of “Chorrord ishkhanutyun” newspaper Ani Gevorgian and the cameraman of “iLur.am” website Sarkis Gevorkian and brought them by force to the police department.
The journalists and the cameraman were shooting the “1 March” rally of the Armenian National Congress activists. Later a group of young people (the youth branch of Armenian Republican Party and the students of Agrarian University) came there and started harassing the protesters. The police officers were trying to grab the cameras from the journalists but they refused to give their equipment. As a result, they were forcefully brought to the police department.
Ani Gevorgian said that the police continued hitting her on the arms in their car. At the police station, local chief Artak Poghosyan noticed that she was giving an interview over the phone, then slapped her and took her phone away. Sarkis Gevorkian was also insulted and beaten. When the reporters demanded to see a lawyer, their cameras were confiscated and were later returned. Of course, all the pictures with the political activists being beaten and harassed were deleted.
Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, Yerevan Press Club, Media Initiatives Center (former Internews Armenia), “Asparez” Journalists’ Club, Media Diversity Institute-Armenia, “Journalists for the Future” and Goris Press Club made statement to the press condemning the incident: “
“We, the undersigned, considering the situation in recent years in Armenia characterized with intensified violations of journalist’s rights and growing impediment to their activity by the police and law-enforcement agencies demand…”
