Armenia: Commissioner Hammarberg releases his findings on the
investigation of March events

Strasbourg, 29.09.2008 – "There is an urgent need to reach a
satisfactory solution for prisoners and to hold accountable those
responsible for the March events." With this main message, the Council
of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, published
today his summary of findings on a visit to Armenia carried out last
13-15 July to weigh the progress made in investigating the violent
events which ensued following the demonstrations after the Presidential
election.

"The situation of persons deprived of their liberty continues to be a
source of serious concern" said the Commissioner. "Questions persist as
to the very nature of the criminal charges and the intent of the
investigations carried out." Commissioner Hammarberg also regretted that
prosecution cases against 19 persons were based solely on police
testimony.

The Commissioner was particularly concerned about the seven persons
remaining in preliminary detention, including prominent opposition
representatives. "It is unacceptable to continue to hold in detention or
to convict – even to non-custodial sentences – anyone solely because of
their political beliefs or non-violent activities."

Furthermore, the Commissioner focused on the setting up of a national
commission of inquiry. While welcoming the proactive approach of the
Government in this regard, he recommended that continued efforts be
made, in tandem with international expert advice, and through a broad
and fully inclusive consultation process. "The establishment of a group
of experts tasked with carrying out a comprehensive, independent,
impartial, transparent inquiry, which would be perceived as credible by
the whole population of Armenia, appears to be within reach. I hope that
this opportunity will be recognised and will continue to meet with a
constructive response by all the relevant actors."

The summary is available on the Commissioner’s website
< ult_en.asp> .

Media contacts: Stefano Montanari, +33 6 61 14 70 37;
stefano.montanari@coe.int

***

The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial
institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness
of, and respect for, human rights in the organisation’s 47 member
states. Elected by the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly, the present
Commissioner, Thomas Hammarberg, took up his duties on 1 April 2006.

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