Joint declaration
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The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its partnering organization-the Civil Society Institute (CSI)-condemn the recent and ongoing assaults against political dissidents and their families.
"On 23 February 2011, "Heritage" faction MP Zaruhi Postanjyan's brother Tigran Postanjyan was called to the National Security Service (NSS), arrested and wasn't allowed to see his relatives.
According to a February 21 press release by the Prosecutor General's Office, a case has been instigated based on Article 3111 (1) of the RA Criminal Code (Receiving illegal payment from a public servant who is not an official).
The National Security Service is holding a preliminary investigation. However, according to Part 1, Article 190 of the RA Criminal Procedure Code, the preliminary investigation, which is envisaged under Article 3111 of the RA Criminal Code should be held by police investigators.
On 25 February 2011, the court ruled to apply imprisonment as a precautionary measure for Mr. Postanjyan. On March 2, he was transferred to the "Nubarashen" penitentiary where there are more and more prisoners being registered.
According to lawyer Hayk Alumyan, transferring Postanjyan is an attempt to pressure the latter.
Our organizations are concerned with the fact that the instigation of the case is aimed at pressuring oppositionists by persecuting their family members. In addition to that, the FIDH and the CSI have continuously criticized the constant mistreatment in Armenia during the application of initial imprisonment and the trial in general.
Our organizations express fear that Mr. Postanjyan will not be guaranteed the right to a fair trial.
These incidents took place in the context of the government's pressures against oppositionist groups and political parties.
On the morning of March 3, police officers dispersed a peaceful protest near the government building against the decision on prohibiting street trade. Police officers pushed the demonstrators away and violated their right to holding peaceful rallies. Deputy Chief of Police of Yerevan Robert Melkonyan directly participated in this incident and among the demonstrators were "Heritage" faction MPs Zaruhi Postanjyan, Armen Martirosyan and Anahit Bakhshyan.
"Heritage" political party demanded an investigation into the circumstances and a criminal case instigation. On March 3, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan assigned the RA Police to hold a service investigation into the legality of police actions.
The FIDH and the CSI call on the Armenian authorities
-to hold a transparent, independent and full-fledged investigation into Tigran Postanjyan's case,
-to refrain from illegal acts against opposition members and their families,
-to guarantee that police officers' actions correspond to the powers given to them by the law,
-to guarantee the freedom of holding peaceful rallies," as stated in the declaration.
