Who creates problems in Armenia?
The Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia marks its fifth anniversary on May 25, 2009.
"Journalists are the least protected in Armenia," Armenian Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian announced during today's international conference dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Ombudsman's Office.
The Armenian Ombudsman says the sphere of freedom of speech lacks tolerance and respect for human dignity.
"Undisclosed cases of violence against a journalist are reported almost every day," said Mr. Harutiunian.
Over the last six months no citizen has been able to restore his violated rights in Armenia while the European Court of Human Rights has upheld all claims.
The international conference on the theme "Freedom of Expression and Right to Fair Trial" featured ambassadors of different countries and representatives of international structures.
The Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Lukin, sounded discontent with the state of freedom of speech in Russia.
"The ex President (Vladimir Putin) wondered why the applications on freedom of speech and on social issues were equal in my report. I answered that the breach of freedom of speech leads to violations of rights of different layers of the society."
Note that the Ombudsman's Office has received numerous complaints on the activity of the Prosecutor General who didn't participate at today's conference.
"It proves that in the person of that official the country faces serious problems in terms of human rights protection. I am really sorry about it," said Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian.
