“Only Serzh Sargsyan is protected”
"It is at a very low level," this is how lawyer Artur Sakunts assesses the level of protection of human rights in Armenia.
In light of International Human Rights Day, the lawyer once again said: "Not only are the fundamental human rights violated, but the mechanisms for restoring them at the courts and the administrative courts are ineffective as well."
He has trouble saying which right is violated the most in Armenia, but he is especially concerned about the fact that "even though the death penalty has been eliminated, there are serious problems related to a person's right to life, starting from tortures and ending with inhumane treatment."
As far as the activities of the Human Rights Institute in Armenia are concerned, Artur Sakunts said:
"Unfortunately, that institute has not developed in Armenia yet. It works in some cases, but it has no impact on the authorities to protect human rights."
Lawyer Mikayel Danielyan says the biggest problem with human rights protection in Armenia is the lack of the authorities' will.
Danielyan says the only person who is protected in Armenia is the person holding the office of president. "After being deprived of that office, he is going to be as unprotected as all average citizens."
Lawyer Artak Zeynalyan is also discontent with the level of protection of human rights in Armenia, but he is optimistic and believes the situation can be changed. "I expect that change from myself and our citizens."
According to him, it all has to start from the state bodies and, first and foremost, from the protection of human rights in courts.
Artak Zeynalyan calls on all citizens of Armenia to defend their rights and the rights of other members of the society. "Don't let any state official violate your rights."
