Intimidation Against Human Rights Defender
00:00, May 22, 2008 | Announcements | Right to be free from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment
Announcement
On May 21, 2008 a well-known human rights defender Michael Danielyan, the chairman of the Armenian Helsinki Association, was attacked with physical and gun force.
They attacked with a group of people led by Tigran Urikhanian, the former leader of the Armenian Progressive Party. At first they used an air gun and then performed physical violence; he began swearing at him, which was directly connected with his human rights work.
We find that what happened is not only a physical revenge against the person dealing with human rights but also it is against the whole human rights work.
Taking into account mass violations of human rights in Armenia started from March 1, and inadequate steps of authorities to prevent them, as well as not realizing international commitments we find that the assault against the human rights defender is a consequence of the situation in Armenia.
This is the second time when M. Danielyan has been attacked. The previous time the criminals were not found.
Condemning the armed attack against human rights defender Michael Danielyan, we demand from the law enforcement bodies to conduct impartial and thorough investigation and call the criminals to responsibility.
Restoration of the country’s reputation is conditioned by creating favorable conditions for human rights protection.
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor