Any instance of hate speech, threat or incitement to violence are unacceptable. Those are especially prevalent in social media. Hate speech, threat and incitement to violence are not protected by the right to freedom of expression.
The Armenian Constitution and laws guarantee everyone’s equality before the law and the protection of every citizen against any form of violence or threat of violence.
Thus, competent state bodies bear the responsibility to guarantee each individual’s rights, including the right to physical and mental integrity.
The Human Rights Defender’s Office established contact with Police immediately after the events that followed the discussion in Parliament dated on 5th of April. The Police have taken the necessary steps, including the preparation of material on the threats and incitement to violence and measures were also taken to ensure the personal security of the citizen.
The activities of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia are of crucial importance. An effective cooperation has been established with the Chair of the Standing Committee, Naira Zohrabyan, with the aim to strengthen human rights protection in the country. Important human rights issues have already been discussed with the Committee (the state of human rights protection in penitentiary institutions, psychiatric institutions, etc.).
The Human Rights Defender will continue his effective work with the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs as well as with other parliamentary committees.
Besides the Parliament, the Human Rights Defender will continue to cooperate with the RA Government.
The Defender will provide full support to the Government's efforts and projects aimed at improving the country's human rights system.