New Dangerous Manifestations Dividing Groups of People Emerged Immediately After Local Government Elections: Ombudsman

Immediately after the voting day of the local self-government elections in Armenia, new dangerous manifestations that divide groups of people and foster insults, hatred, and intolerance have emerged in the public domain.

These refer to artificial divisions that deepen the polarization of society, based on condemnable theses that insult individuals using expressions like 'former and new', 'black and white', 'scum', 'zombie', 'sold', 'traitor', and others.

The Human Rights Defender calls on political forces, public figures, and everyone in general to refrain from actions that polarize society and increase tensions, as well as from vocabulary that carries insults or promotes hatred. It is important to consider even the metaphorical meanings of words or expressions and the opportunities for their perception in society.

The role of journalists and media is crucial, as they must be more attentive to the nature of the information they disseminate and the headlines they use.

A person should not be subjected to discrimination for political views. Every process should be based on the rule of law, and any initiative must prioritize human rights.

Arman Tatoyan
Human Rights Defender of Armenia