“16 cases of Pressures against mass media have been Recorded”, notes Artur Sakunts
08:21, February 8, 2013 | News | Electoral Rights
The report on the “Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Armenia” summarizes restrictions of legal assistance, impartiality of judicial system as well as encroachments against journalists, ecologists and lawyers.
“The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders has been active for several years, which unites 10 human rights NGOs in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The aforementioned report is a part of a joint report with the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders regarding the situation of human rights defenders in the above-mentioned countries”, Artur Sakunts, Chairman of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor informed us about it.
Today the presentation of the report on the “Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Armenia” was launched at the “Congress” hotel. “Socioscope”, “Democracy Today”, “ShahKhatun” and Women´s Resource Center Armenia NGOs supported during the implementation of the preparation activities. The report covers January 2011- November 2012 period which briefly depicts not only the issues encountered by the human right defenders, but also assaults against journalists, ecologists, lawyers. It also illustrates restrictions of legal assistance as well as the impartiality of the judicial system.
“16 cases of pressure exerted against mass media have been recorded up until July of 2012, 4 out of which occurred on the very day of parliamentary elections”, emphasized Artur Sakunts.
He also noted that political activists have directly threatened human rights organizations that the activities initiated by them will lead to bad consequences especially in the pre-election period of 2012.
By making a reference to the restriction of legal assistance, Sakunts noted that human rights NGOs have a right to provide legal assistance to citizens, but the law adopted in 2012 restricts the chances of human rights defenders to present the victims of human rights violations in the court.
“The law on Advocacy presumes higher legal education and a lawyer’s license issued by the RA Chamber of Advocates.
In order to receive a lawyer’s license, lawyers must submit an application (one-time fee $100), study at law school for 6 months (tuition is $1000) and then receive a license (fee is $400). “By taking into account today’s social situation, people turn out to be unprotected and helpless in the court”, he added.
Mikael Danielyan, Chairman “Helsinki Association” also stressed that Diaspora and International organizations hinder the protection of human rights in Armenia. “This is why our authorities are so insolent and untouchable”.
According to Artur Sakunts, the report is addressed at RA ruling authorities, European Union agencies, embassies as well as United Nations Special Rapporteurs in charge of human rights defenders issues.