We Urge the Armenian Authorities to Respect Human Rights: U.S. Embassy - 'Zhoghovurd'

‘Zhoghovurd’ newspaper reports: “We urge the Armenian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly by allowing all citizens to peacefully express their views and journalists to carry out their work without interference,” stated the U.S. Embassy in Armenia in response to a written inquiry from ‘Zhoghovurd’ newspaper.

‘Zhoghovurd’ had sent a written inquiry to the embassy posing the following questions: 1. Have you followed the incidents of violence that occurred on June 3 during the ‘Resistance’ movement rally, where clashes took place between police and protesters? What is your viewpoint? 2. Does the application of special measures without warning and without public notice fall within democratic standards? 3. How do you envision the resolution of the internal political tension that has emerged in Armenia, the demand for Nikol Pashinyan's resignation? 4. How do you assess the incidents of violence against journalists, regarding which various videos are circulating online?

In response to these questions, the embassy provided a statement, which we present below: “Peaceful protests are elements of a free political system. We fully support the right to exercise fundamental freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly. We urge all parties to maintain a peaceful course and respect the rule of law and democracy in Armenia. We are aware that the government has initiated investigations regarding the disproportionate use of force by certain law enforcement officers. We welcome and encourage the government's efforts to hold accountable those who have committed such abuses.”

For more details, see today’s issue of the newspaper.