Human Rights Watch's annual review of human rights practices around the globe, The World Report 2010 summarized major human rights issues in more than 90 nations and territories worldwide, reflecting the investigative work carried out in 2009. The Report on Armenia reflected on lack of accountability for excessive use of force against protestors by security forces during March 2008 events, torture and ill treatment, intimidation of party proxies and domestic observers during municipal elections, attacks on opposition newspaper journalists, media freedom, freedom of assembly, human rights defenders, including false charges against environmental activist, key international actors.

The Report on Armenia particularly states, "The authorities have yet to ensure a meaningful investigations into and full accountability for excessive use of force by security forces during clashes with protestors on March 1-2, 2008, following the disputed February presidential election."

It goes on to say "Officials claimed to have opened 200 internal inquiries into police conduct, but only four police officers have been charged in two separate cases for excessive use of force."

"Although a June 19, 2009 presidential pardon released many, local human rights groups maintain that 17 opposition supporters remain imprisoned on politically motivated charges," stated the Human Rights Watch.

The report also dwelt on A1 plus television in Media Freedom section. Despite the June 2008 decision of the European Court of Human Rights finding in favor of the independent television station, A1+ has not been able to resume broadcasting for 7 years.

The authorities continue to restrict freedom of assembly by frequently denying citizens' requests to hold rallies, usually on technical grounds. Out of 84 opposition requests for demonstrations and rallies, only 28 were granted. Opposition parties and some NGOs allege particular difficulties in securing meeting venues for indoor events, youth opposition activists were attacked by law enforcement officials.

Prominent international organizations also expressed their attitude toward March events, e.g. PACE has adopted four resolutions on Armenia. Millennium Challenge Corporation took 64 million USD out of its budget for road reconstruction, citing the Armenian government's failure to meet the program's eligibility criteria on civil rights.

For full information on World Report 2010 please visit Human Rights Watch website at http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2010 and on Armenia Report at http://www.hrw.org/en/node/87532