Opposition protesters on Monday urged EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin to properly respond to the ongoing human rights abuses in Armenia.

Members and supporters of the resistance movement marched to the EU office in central Yerevan to raise the issues of opposition activists facing political persecution and Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan. 

“You always point out that Armenia needs a strong civil society, that is a key complement of any democratic society, So, why aren’t you enthusiastic to see these people here. Why don’t you address their serious concerns?” said Lilit Beglaryan, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the RPA Youth Organization, addressing the EU envoy.

“You always proudly mentioned that you work with the current Armenian government in promoting democracy and strengthening the rule of law and the judiciary. So, the result of your work is threats to the judiciary system and its independence, the backsliding of democracy, the pressure on media and the violence against journalists. But you keep silent,” she said.

She accused the EU delegation of turning a blind eye to mass human rights violations in Armenia.

“It’s time for you either to give a proper and unbiased assessment to these violations and democratic backsliding, or to explain the reason of your persistent silence,” the protester said.