Insulting and Mocking Citizens Expressing Opinions on Elections Must Stop: Human Rights Defender

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, wrote on his Facebook page:

“One of the most concerning and detrimental phenomena of the pre-election campaign is that supporters of various political forces are preparing and disseminating photographs and videos of citizens expressing opinions in favor of their opponents, along with insults, curses, and derogatory remarks. These involve real people from our homeland.

Moreover, offensive and derogatory comments are being made on the photographs and videos of people expressing opinions on elections, also using their physical or mental characteristics.

Studies by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia indicate that the mentioned photographs and videos in social media receive rapid dissemination, garner ridicule, and are accompanied by deeper insults, curses, and hate speech that demean the dignity of individuals. Subsequently, those making such posts are criticized by supporters of other forces with the same expressions (such as 'scum,' 'zombie,' 'sold,' 'mob,' 'wolf,' etc.).

The situation is further exacerbated by posts from fake pages and accounts that are more aggressive and even promote illegal acts, including calls for violence.

This absolute deleterious phenomenon primarily egregiously violates the rights of those individuals whose photographs and videos are spread on the internet with ridicule, insults, and curse words.

It is important to note that the rights to freedom of expression, private and family life, dignity, and respectful treatment are guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution of Armenia and must be respected.

Furthermore, this disturbing phenomenon is hugely worrying as it indicates an unacceptable level of polarization and intolerance in society.

Thus, I urge a cessation of this vicious phenomenon, and all political forces participating in the pre-election campaign should take measures, including urging their supporters to refrain from insults and curses, as well as hate speech and demeaning comments. One of the main issues of these elections is to restore solidarity in the country and ensure the supremacy of the law, rather than deepen polarization and intolerance.”