We are deeply concerned and seriously worried about the criminal case Special Investigation Service of Armenia initiated against attorney Tigran Hayrapetyan.

Tigran Hayrapetyan has effectively worked and cooperated with a number of NGOs, including Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) NGO, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office NGO and A.D. Sakharov Armenian Human Rights Center NGO.

The attorney’s complaint about unlawfully keeping his defendant Julieta Amarikyan in psychiatric hospital, infringing on her dignity and using violence against her, along with allegedly defining his actions as interference in comprehensive, full and impartial investigation of the case during the inquiry and, even initiating prosecution against the attorney on that ground is nothing but state infringement on his human rights activity and advocacy.

It should be reminded that the activity of an attorney is a type of human rights protection activity, and assuming such attitude by the state against human rights protection activity is impermissible, unlawful and reprehensible.

Moreover, such behavior revealed by Special Investigation Service once again proves of the state’s defective practice of exerting pressure through unlawful actions by grossly impeding human rights protection activity, and unlawfully prosecuting those engaged in such activity without any ground. Such policy implies that the Republic of Armenia, in the person of Special Investigation Service, not only refuses to carry out commitment undertaken by RA Constitution and international obligations but also commits gross violation of human rights.

Based on what is mentioned above:

We appeal to the authorities of Armenia, in particular, to the Prosecutor General’s Office and Special Investigation Service of Armenia to apply and be consistent in observance of the rule of law constitutional principle by ensuring prompt exercise of legislation of human rights defenders stipulated by domestic legislation and international obligations.

We demand that

  • prosecution against Tigran Hayrapetyan be immediately stopped
  • the investigator (group of investigators, prosecutor) that made a decision to initiate a criminal case against Tigran Hayrapetyan be brought to justice and to inform the public on the results.

Transparency International Anticorruption Center NGO
Protection of Rights without Borders NGO
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office NGO
A.D. Sakharov Armenian Human Rights Center NGO
Women’s Rights Center NGO
“Rule of the Right” Human Rights NGO
Journalists for Human Rights NGO
“Ecolur” Information NGO
Peace Dialogue NGO
“New Generation” Humanitarian NGO
Spitak Helsinki Group NGO
KhoranARD Intellectual Center
Foundation against Violation of Law NGO
Journalists’ Club “Asparez” NGO
Armavir Development Center NGO
Women’s Resource Center NGO
“Guarantee" Center օf Civil Society NGO
Public Information and Need of Knowledge NGO
Committee for Protection of Freedom of Speech NGO
Analytical Center on Globalisation and Regional Cooperation
Open Society Foundations - Armenia
Goris Press Club NGO
Yerevan Press Club NGO
Real World, Real People NGO
Women’s Support Center NGO
Collaboration for Democracy NGO