Severe Concerns Regarding Article 137.1 of the Armenian Criminal Code (Serious Insult) and Its Application Practices, Says Human Rights Defender

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, has expressed serious concerns regarding Article 137.1 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which pertains to serious insult, and its application practices. On his page, he noted:

“It is extremely worrying that Article 137.1 of the Criminal Code is filled with ambiguous definitions, lacks legal specificity, and was adopted through gross procedural errors, with alarming positions placing everything on the practices of the government’s official representative. The practice of applying this article further strengthens these concerns. Additionally, I have emphasized, and continue to emphasize, that any speech that incites hatred, targets dignity, or contradicts the freedom of speech is condemnable. Such vices should have no place in our society, and that's final. However, these sensitive issues require different approaches.”

He added that he had applied to the Constitutional Court regarding this matter back in October. Below is the Human Rights Defender's statement on the appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding this issue, detailing further information.