Artsakh Human Rights Defender Issues Statement

The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, has issued a statement.

“In response to the statements made by participants of the gathering organized at the 'Revival' square in Stepanakert regarding the alleged pressures exerted on them by state bodies, officials, and educational institution leaders, the Human Rights Defender finds it necessary to emphasize that the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh guarantees the right of every individual to freely participate in and organize peaceful gatherings without weapons.

According to Article 6 of the Law on Freedom of Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, no one has the right to compel a person to participate in any gathering or to obstruct their participation in any gathering.

The Human Rights Defender calls on all state bodies and officials to act solely in accordance with legislative regulations, excluding any unlawful actions related to the restriction of participation in gatherings. At the same time, we inform that representatives of the Human Rights Defender are present at the gathering site to monitor the proceedings of the gathering.