Armenia’s ombudsman calls on to form independent commission to investigate March 1 clashes in Yerevan

YEREVAN, April 28. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan has made a special report calling on to form an independent commission to investigate the March 1 clashes in Yerevan.

Since February 20 rallies, sit-ins and student walkouts had been held by the opposition led by Armenia’s first President Levon Ter-Petrosian in the center of Yerevan. The initiators and protesters accused ex-President Kocharian's ally and Serge Sargsian of rigging the presidential election on February 19.

The clashes began on March 1-2 when authorities used force to clear Freedom Square of thousands of demonstrators who had camped there for the past 10 days. Over 100 people were charged after the bloody clashes.

The Human Right Defender believes the February 19 polls have influenced the system of individual rights, as well as social-economic, political and human rights. In this connection, Harutyunyan considers it necessary to assume public control over the authorities and the strong opposition. According to him, in this case, the opposition will not have to go to streets, as they will be able to openly voice their opinion.

Harutyunyan calls on to amend the electoral code and change the voting procedure. He believes objective electronic media and pluralism are necessary preconditions for freedom of speech. In his report, the Ombudsman attaches importance to amendments to media regulations. Harutyunyan suggests forming a media coordinating body, involving both authorities and opposition.

He calls on to lift restrictions on human rights and amend the disputable law on rallies.
The Ombudsman believes extremism causes social polarization. “We need to preclude causes instead of struggling against their aftermath,” he says. “The most dangerous and unreasonable thing we can do now is to pretend effecting reforms.” –0--