17 March 2008, 16:39
CE High Commissioner on Human Rights calls for respect of human rights in Armenia
Thomas Hammerberg, Council of Europe High Commissioner on Human Rights, who came to Armenia on a three-day visit, stated in an interview to the radio "Liberty" that he was concerned with the human rights situation in Armenia.
Thomas Hammerberg states that there are serious problems in Armenia: the society is divided and polarized, a number of people are arrested and are going to be tried in court. According to him, it is obvious that there is a political context in all this: "During my meetings with political figures, in particular, with Serge Sarkisian, I have pointed out to the necessity to stop arrests. Judicial prosecution should be effected if there is real proof of crimes, otherwise a situation arises when everyone believe that people get arrested for their political convictions", said the High Commissioner on Human Rights.
According to him, he met with prisoners, some of them were beaten, which is unacceptable: "Some of them claim that they are absolutely innocent and only expressed their opinion. In this situation it is necessary to ensure a fair trial and follow the main principles of justice."
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