PRESS RELEASE
The Heritage Party
31 Moscovian Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 53.69.13
Fax: (+374 – 10) 53.26.97
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:
14 March 2008
Heritage Files Legal Challenge to State of Emergency
Yerevan–Today the Heritage Party filed a petition with the
Administrative Court of the Republic of Armenia, demanding annulment
of the president’s March 1, 2008 decree on the declaration of a state
of emergency. The appeal asserts, among other things, that the
suspension of the activities of democratic institutions and
specifically the restrictions imposed upon the media contradict the
requirements both of Armenian law and of the European Convention on
Human Rights. As a result, independent and opposition-oriented
newspapers and online news services have been effectively blocked, and
this stands in flagrant violation of the citizens’ right freely to
receive objective and comprehensive information.
In its cause of action, Heritage asks the Court to invalidate the
aforesaid decree which, as evidenced by the party, is unlawful and
incongruent with the current situation. At the same time, petitioner
has moved for a temporary restraining order against the Armenian
president’s imposition of further restrictions on civil liberties, as
well as for ruling to expedite judicial consideration of the case.
The Heritage Party expects the Administrative Court to deliver a just
judgment lifting the extraordinary measures ordered by the president’s
decree, eliminating the hardships caused by the state of emergency,
and reinstating the constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms of
Armenia’s citizens.
Heritage’s petition can be accessed at
Founded in 2002, Heritage has regional divisions throughout the land.
Its central office is located at 31 Moscovian Street, Yerevan 0002,
Armenia, with telephone contact at (374-10) 536.913, fax at (374-10)
532.697, email at [email protected] or [email protected], and website
at