PM Pashinyan promises to protect freedom of speech in Armenia

Peaceful Assembly

According to media reports, in October 2018 Urtsadzor community members held a protest in front of the government building against the appointment of the acting head of the community, Gevorg Avetisyan, after the resignation of the previous head, Rafik Andreasya. Andreasya's supporters claimed that the interim appointment was not done properly as the governor is not allowed to order an elected leader to resign and to later appoint a close person as interim. 

In December 2018, people in Armenia took to the streets to denounce a court decision releasing retired general Manvel Grigoryan on bail. Grigoryan was arrested in June 2018 and is currently on trial charged with illegal possession of firearms and grand theft. The court released him from detention, arguing that he is suffering from some health issues. 

Expression

On 26th December 2018 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a former journalist, met with several media representatives. During the meeting, the Prime Minister said the executive's priority is to provide conditions for the development of independent media and to support freedom of speech. Moreover, Pashinyan stated that:

"The Government of the Republic of Armenia will spare no efforts for protecting and developing freedom of speech and the press, and of course, we expect an effective cooperation with media representatives.”