Armenia Human Rights

Human Rights Concerns

In line with its human rights commitments to the Council of Europe, Armenia abolished capital punishment in peacetime. However, it failed to meet its commitments to the Council of Europe on conscientious objectors to compulsory military service, who continued to be imprisoned. The authorities detained hundreds of protesters who took part in peaceful opposition rallies to contest the outcome of the presidential elections.

The police reportedly used excessive force when they detained scores of protesters calling for the resignation of President Robert Kocharian. Dozens of opposition activists and supporters, including women, were reportedly beaten and ill-treated by police. Journalists, opposition political activists and a human rights defender were assaulted by unknown assailants. Conscientious objectors to compulsory military service continued to be imprisoned, despite Armenia’s commitments to the Council of Europe.