PACE Resolution is not met
"Our citizens are exposed to officials' permissiveness. This is a warning alarm by the Ombudsman. We must put an end to permissiveness," Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian announced on July 10.
Mr. Harutiunian reached the conclusion after studying the complaints of our citizens and the answers of state officials.
By the way, the complaints have increased by 127 % in 2009. The Ombudsman's Office received some 1833 written-complaints at the beginning of the year. They refer to the Police, Minister of Science and Education, City Hall, courts, Ministry of Labour And Social Affairs, etc.
"The PACE Resolution reflects the objective reality. In fact, Resolution 1677 involves all important provisions of the previous resolutions. That's why Armenia is kept under monitoring. There are still a lot of issues to be addressed in the Resolution, notes the Armenian Ombudsman.
He drew journalists' attention to point 5.3 which states: "If people in search turn themselves in by July 31 they should be left in freedom before the end of litigation."
"In fact, the Resolution is not met," underlined Mr. Harutiunian. "Besides, I see no point in arresting a person who surrenders to law-enforcement authorities."
"According to the investigation, 57 people were illegally kept in police stations for two days without arraignment," added Mr. Haurutiunian.
The Armenian Ombudsman also highlighted point 6 which calls for a dialogue between the conflicting sides [authorities and opposition]. Armen Harutiunian thinks the amnesty may enhance a dialogue between the sides. He views the general pardon dated June 19, 2009, as a political and legal step.
The Ombudsman welcomes the decision to legalize the reports of the Fact-Finding Group looking into the events of March 1-2.
