27 June 2009, 15:00
FIDH concerned of torture in Armenia
Armenia is for the first time mentioned in the report of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) among the countries, where torture as applied to defendants and witnesses is a usual thing. The FIDH's report is based on monitoring of trials.
"The FIDH expresses its serious concern of numerous facts of psychological pressure and physical violence to witnesses in the course of investigation and proceedings in relation to events on March 1, 2008, in Yerevan. By basing their verdicts on confessions received by such methods, Armenian courts are breaking the country's obligations before international organizations and promote further use of such methods," said head of the FIDH Suer Belasen.
According to Mr Belasen, his organization is also concerned of certain changes in legislation of Armenia. "The FIDH is very critical to legislation amendments, which endanger the defendant's right to be defended by the advocate chosen by him or her.
Author: Lylyt Ovanisyan Source: CK correspondent
