Armenia is on the bad list
Armenia is included in the annual report of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) for the first time, but that is not an advantage because the report is on countries where there are violations of human rights.
The President and Director of the FIDH are currently in Armenia on the Day of Support for Victims of Torture and held a press conference today to present the report on Armenia.
The FIDH and its member organization the Civil Society Institute have followed the trials of the individuals arrested in March 2008 in the wake of the violent clashes that took place between police forces and supporters of the political opposition. The two organizations also presented the report entitled "Right to a fair trial in the Republic of Armenia", which presents the preliminary conclusions from the observation of the trials ensuing from the March 2008 wave of arrests and from recent changes introduced in Armenian legislation.
"Our organizations express our deep concern at the numerous, detailed and consistent reports of the use of physical and psychological pressure on the witnesses during the pre-trial and trial phase. Armenian Courts relying on such evidence violate the international obligations of the Republic of Armenia and encourage the use of such unlawful practices," mentioned FIDH President Souhayr Belhassen.
The guests find that the evidence and those responsible for the 10 murders remain unclear and have decided to speak directly with the authorities. They have presented the issue to the RA President and are waiting for a reply.
In response to the question of "A1+" on how they evaluate the fact that most of the testimonies of the arrested individuals were obtained through torture, FIDH Director Antuan Bernar said that the FIDH considers it unacceptable and that they are directing their remarks to the government because it is the one responsible for all that.
