By Alexander Pracht
Amnesty International, a major UK-based human rights NGO, published its annual global report on Tuesday, highlighting persisting restrictions on free speech and peaceful assembly in Armenia, continued challenges for Nagorno-Karabakh refugees, and ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan. The report also noted progress in domestic violence legislation, while discrimination against LGBT people and threats against environmental defenders persist.
Amnesty said the government faced major difficulties integrating the more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan took full control of the region in September 2023. As reported by CivilNet previously, many of the displaced persons struggle with access to housing, employment, and education, and their right to a safe and dignified return remains unmet, with Azerbaijan gradually integrating Karabakh into its framework while Armenia is reluctant to pursue justice in international courts, hoping to sign a normalization deal with Baku.
The report criticized Armenian authorities for police violence and unlawful detentions during large-scale anti-government protests last year, triggered by a border demarcation deal with Azerbaijan. “The police used unlawful force against demonstrators,” Amnesty wrote, noting that at least 101 people were injured during June protests in Yerevan, and nearly 100 detained. No police officers were charged following investigations.
Amnesty also raised alarm over mounting pressure on journalists during the protests. According to the local Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, 14 journalists were injured while covering demonstrations. Amnesty also highlighted the libel charges brought against opposition activists Vazgen Sagatelyan and Narek Samsonyan.
The environmental situation also came under scrutiny, particularly the government’s decision in January to allow the controversial Amulsar gold mine to open later this year despite past pollution concerns. Environmental activists who criticized the move faced legal pressure and smear campaigns, including claims they were undermining national security, Amnesty said.
In a positive development, the organization praised Armenia’s parliament for passing reforms aimed at combating domestic violence. The amendments expanded the definition of abuse and removed earlier language emphasizing “restoring family harmony,” which had risked keeping victims in abusive situations. Meanwhile, LGBT people continued to face discrimination and hostility, Amnesty reported.
It also noted that Armenia remained locked in tense peace talks with Azerbaijan amid sporadic border clashes and disputes over transport corridors. At the same time, Yerevan pursued closer ties with the European Union and the United States and announced plans to leave the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Amnesty highlighted.
