2013/02/22
Hovannisian Rallies Thousands Against ‘Stolen Election’
Armenia - Supporters of opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian rally in Yerevan's Liberty Square, 20Feb2013.
During the rally, Hovannisian signaled his intention to launch a campaign of street protests, urging supporters to brace themselves for a “prolonged struggle.” He revealed that the sprawling square, which was the scene of massive post-election protests after the previous presidential election, has been “booked” for a rally planned Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK) for Thursday afternoon.
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2013/02/22
Protesters clash with police outside OSCE Office in Yerevan
An incident reportedly occurred between police officers and ordinary citizens who had grouped outside the OSCE Office in Yerevan to express their discontent with the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission.
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2013/02/22
Raffi Hovannisian meets US Ambassador and OSCE/ODIHR observation mission head
Raffi Hovannisian has taken part in separate meetings with US Ambassador John Heffern and later with Head of OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission to Armenia, Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini.
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2013/02/22
Raffi Hovannisian has nothing to tell Armenian authorities
Opposition candidate Raffi Hovannisian said he had nothing to tell Armenian authorities after his yesterday’s meeting with Serzh Sargsyan.
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2013/02/22
Pashinyan shows ways to overthrow authorities
The two political poles that formed after the February 18 presidential election in Armenia are led by Serzh Sargsyan, who forcibly seized power, and by people headed by Raffi Hovannisian, Nikol Pashinyan, a lawmaker of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) announced at Liberty Square.
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2013/02/21
Serzh Sargsyan and Raffi Hovannisian discussed elections – president’s office
Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan received on Thursday leader of Heritage Party, presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian.
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2013/02/21
There is a chance and it will be wrong to lose it
Hrant Bagratyan's Facebook appeal
Once again we did not have free and fair elections. And again "azatutyun" square is crowded. 1996's, 2003's, 2008's experience shows that, the nation rebels when does not gain results with the constitutional way (elections). People want to stand up for their votes.
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2013/02/21
Ruling Party Cancels Yerevan Rally
HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov cited the opposition leader’s “adventurist and unconstitutional calls” as he commented on the party’s decision not to go ahead with the gathering.
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2013/02/20
Armenian Presidential Elections - Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
The United States congratulates the people of Armenia on their February 18 presidential elections, which were judged by international observers to be generally well-administered and characterized by a respect for fundamental freedoms, including those of assembly and expression. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) found that the media fulfilled its legal obligation to provide balanced coverage, and that all contestants made use of their free air time.
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2013/02/20
Armenian president’s spokesperson reacts to Hovannisian’s proposal to meet with Sargsyan
YEREVAN. – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s press secretary Armen Arzumanyan reacted to the declaration by presidential contender, opposition Heritage Party Chairman and former FM, Raffi Hovannisian, who had proposed to Sargsyan to meet with him.
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2013/02/19
OSCE PA observers call Armenian election improved, but lacking competition
Nonetheless, the mission noted, particularly at local levels, an unclear distinction between the campaign activities of the incumbent and state structures. These included misuse of administrative resources and pressure on public employees to participate in the election and campaign events.
The voting process was well organized in most of the polling stations visited, however the observers noted that the inking of passports did not provide the intended safeguard against multiple voting, as the ink could easily be wiped off.
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2013/02/18
Ballot stuffing reporting at precinct 32/5
The headquarters of presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian has recorded numerous violations after the official start of the presidential vote.
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2013/02/18
Ink again vanishes from passports
Though the Central Election Commission (CEC) publicly tested last week the new ink for special passport stamps that are supposed to prevent multiple fraudulent voting in the February 18 Armenian presidential election, the ink turns out to be easy to remove with a damp napkin immediately after voting.
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2013/02/18
Crack found in ballot box at Precinct 1/6
An observer from the Civil Society Institute NGO reported about violations in Yerevan Avan district. At Precinct 1/6, the observer found a crack in a ballot box from which it could be possible to insert a ballot.
The chairman of the election commission explained that all the members had checked the boxes and similar boxes might be found at other precincts as well.
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2013/02/15
Dashnaks Urge Vote Against Sarkisian
The opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) on Friday urged supporters not to vote for President Serzh Sarkisian in Monday’s presidential election.
“As an opposition political force, we are calling on you to take part in the election, not to vote for the government’s candidate and to vote in good faith or to make your ballots invalid,” the party’s governing body in Armenia said in a statement.
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2013/02/14
Sarkisian Admits ‘Mistakes’
President Serzh Sarkisian on Thursday spoke of many mistakes committed by him but said Armenians should nevertheless vote for his reelection if they want justice and prosperity in their country.
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2013/02/12
New Anti-Fraud Ink Tested In Armenia
The Central Election Commission (CEC) on Tuesday publicly tested new ink for special passport stamps that are supposed to prevent multiple fraudulent voting in next week’s Armenian presidential election.
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2013/02/08
Plutocratic Government Continues Its Regime with Their Power of Wealth - Call to the Citizens of Armenia - Lilia Chakarian
Approaching the end of the current plutocratic system, in which arms we have suffered for the past 5 years...Say NO bribes, say NO to election violations, say NO to this totalitarian regime, say NO to Serzhik
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2013/02/08
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
The official election campaign started on 21 January and has been low-key and of limited visibility. The campaign of incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan is the most visible, while the state authorities have declared their intention to conduct elections in line with OSCE commitments, the distinction between campaign activities and state functions appears to be blurred
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2013/02/07
Before starting hunger strike, Armenia’s presidential candidate to visit fellow contender already on hunger strike
Armenia’s presidential hopeful, National Accord party Chairman Aram Harutyunyan issued a statement and noted that he will go on a hunger strike, on Thursday at 5pm, in front of the Central Electoral Commission building. He will stay there until 5pm Friday and, subsequently, he will withdraw his formal nomination for the presidential election to be held on February 18. Harutyunyan himself informed this during a press conference on Thursday.
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2013/02/05
Serzh Sargsyan avoids debating with me – Presidential candidate Hrant Bagratyan
Serzh Sargsyan is avoiding electoral debates, Armenian presidential candidate, former PM Hrant Bagratyan told voters in Armavir, the administrative center of Armavir region.
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2013/02/01
US is concerned by assassination attempt against Armenian presidential candidate
YEREVAN. – The Unites States is concerned by the assassination attempt that was staged against Armenia’s presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan, US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland stated during a press briefing on Friday.
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2013/01/25
Rights Group Concerned About Armenian Jail Sentences
Human Rights Watch has expressed serious concern over controversial prison sentences given to four Armenian opposition activists who clashed with police in downtown Yerevan in 2011.
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2013/01/22
Candidate Quits Presidential Race
An Armenian presidential candidate announced his withdrawal from the race and another one threatened to follow suit on Tuesday, expressing serious concern over the freedom and fairness of the February 18 election.
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2013/01/18
Presidential candidate to go on hunger strike
The Central Election Committee (CEC) today rejected the statement of presidential nominee Andrias Ghukasyan who demanded that the CEC revoke the registration of Serzh Sargsyan, the candidate of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK).
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2013/01/18
Raffi Hovannisian invites Serzh Sargsyan to debate
Heritage Party Leader, presidential candidate Raff Hovannisian is going to begin his campaign meetings at 12, January 21, in the neighbourhood of Liberty Square in Yerevan.
The central headquarters of the candidate is due to meet on Sunday to discuss election-related issues.
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2013/01/07
Torosyan already discovered 44 election violations
Chairman of the Center of Parliamentarism in Armenia, Ruben Torosyan, has reported the Prosecutor General's Office and Central Election Commission about 44 alleged violations, which as he said, might have a significant impact on the February 18 presidential election.
The copies have been sent to the OSCE/ODIHR and other international organizations.
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2012/12/27
Ter-Petrosian Bloc Opts For Election Boycott
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) declared on Thursday that it will not field or endorse any presidential candidate after all, saying that changing Armenia’s government through elections has become impossible because of chronic vote rigging.
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2012/12/24
Ter-Petrosian Keeps Up Election Uncertainty
In what was his first public speech in six months delivered over the weekend, opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian declined to clarify whether he will run in Armenia’s upcoming presidential election. “Please wait for a couple of more days,” Ter-Petrosian told a congress of the HHSh, the largest of the parties of making up his Armenian National Congress (HAK) alliance.
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2012/12/21
Opposition Leader Gives Up Presidential Bid
Aram Sarkisian, an opposition leader until recently allied with former President Levon Ter-Petrosian, announced on Friday that he will not run in Armenia’s upcoming presidential election because of what he called popular apathy.
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2012/12/10
HAK holding march
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) is holding a march on December 10 in connection with Human Rights Day. About 300 members of the opposition alliance are heading from Liberty Square to Republic Square at present.
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2012/12/06
Parliament Rejects Opposition Antitrust Bill
The Armenian parliament rejected on Thursday a motion to demand sweeping government measures which its opposition minority believes would break up business monopolies and boost competition in the country.
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2012/12/05
Armenia ranked 105th in Corruption Perceptions Index 2012
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2012 shows corruption continues to ravage societies around the world. Armenia has been ranked 105th in the 2012 index with 34 scores.
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2012/12/03
HHK interested in disclosing March 1 tragic events
The National Assembly's Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs has decided to postpone the vote on creating an ad hoc committee to look into the March 2008 post-election clashes after the 2013 presidential election.
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2012/11/22
Opposition Bloc Seeks Court Ruling On Parliament Boycott
The Armenian National Congress (HAK) moved on Thursday to take the pro-government majority in Armenia’s parliament to court for thwarting a plenary session on an election-related bill drafted by the opposition bloc.
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2012/11/12
Armenian Minority Parties Launch ‘Political Consultations’
The two largest minority groups in Armenia may field a single candidate at next year’s presidential election, it emerged following what was described as their “political consultations” on Monday.
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2012/10/26
Armenia has turned into penal institution
Members and supporters of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK), who have been staging protests outside the Prosecutor General's Office in Yerevan, believe that only after holding free and fair elections Armenia will not have political prisoners.
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2012/10/22
Journalists’ rights violated at least 16 times
The Committee for the Defense of Freedom of Speech has recorded 16 instances of violation connected with journalists' rights in July-September, 2012, President of the Committee, Ashot Melikyan said Monday when summing up his organization's 3rd quarter report regarding the state of freedom of speech in Armenia.
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2012/10/05
PACE or Serzh Sargsyan? Where is solution?
The Court of Appeals is due to examine on Oct. 11 the appeal of the four jailed activists of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK).
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2012/09/13
Who holds up investigation into March 2008 clashes?
Both the radical opposition and the authorities in Armenia are waiting for an independent investigation into the ten deaths of March 1, 2008 post-election clashes.
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2012/09/04
Why did Ter-Petrosyan take case to European Court?
First Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan took a case to the European Court of Human Rights based on violation of the right to free elections. According to Vahe Grigoryan, the first President's representative in the European Court of Human Rights, the matter concerns violation of the right to free elections during the presidential election in February 2008, as well as violation of other rights.
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2012/08/09
Lawyers Again Slam Police Probe Of Restaurant Death
Lawyers representing the family of a man who was beaten to death at a Yerevan restaurant in June condemned on Thursday the criminal investigation into the assault that has been mostly completed by the Armenian police.
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2012/07/24
Action in defense of HAK activists
A protest was held near the General Prosecutor's Office today in defense of young Armenian National Congress (HAK) activists Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kiramijyan.
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2012/07/18
HAK wants to form new commission in NA
The accusations that attempts are made to consign the March 2008 deadly clashes to oblivion are absurd, says Gagik Jhangiryan, a senior member of the Armenian National Congress (HAK).
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2012/07/02
Armenian opposition demands response of Armenian President on brutal restaurant fight
YEREVAN. – Armenian opposition Heritage Party demands a condemnation and breakthrough steps regarding the cruel beating in Harsnakar Restaurant complex.
“Today 35-year-old Vahe Avetyan was buried. His tragic death shocked the public and reminded about the atmosphere of impunity and victims of other atrocities.
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2012/06/26
ANC held the meeting at Liberty Square
Today Armenian National Congress (ANC) held the scheduled meeting at the Liberty Square. The meeting started with Armenian hymn.
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2012/06/18
Violently Beaten for Entering a Restaurant Wearing a Training Suit
e condition of military doctor Vahe Avetyan who is in the resuscitation department, Muratsan Military Hospital, remains grave, the hospital doctors said during a conversation with www.aravot.am. When we visited, the doctors were struggling for Vahe’s life.
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2012/05/30
US State Department’s report on human rights in Armenia
The most significant human rights problems in Armenia were limitations on citizens’ right to change their government, freedom of speech and press, and the independence of the judiciary, State Department said in its annual report.
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2012/03/30
Rally Dedicated to the Elections - Lilia Chakarian
The HHSH leader, Aram Manukyan’s speech claimed that they will do everything at the upcoming National Assembly elections to have it differ from the previous disgraceful elections. Levon Zurabyan announced that the “ARMY” is moving forward and from this second can move forward to the total attack, in which the people responded with enthusiasm: “Now, Now…”
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2012/03/01
Armenian opposition leader to form proportional list of opposition himself
YEREVAN. – Leader of Armenia’s opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC), Armenian First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan will form the final proportional lists of ANC himself, he announced during ANC’s meeting in downtown Yerevan on Thursday.
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2012/03/01
The Opposition on the Streets Again… - Lilia Chakarian
“Robert Kocharyan and Serge Sargsyan, you will not digest the blood that was shed by the people, you will drown in our shed blood,” declared Nikol Pashinyan during the rally.
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2012/02/01
Armenia’s Oligarchs and their Entourage
To Maim and Kill with Impunity: Armenia’s Oligarchs and their Entourage
These crimes are not exceptions, and they have not escaped the attention of foreign diplomats. Armenia's high powered thugs run their government and opress their people. Killing and injuring the weak, the unprotected, the poor is what they do best. Stand up and condemn them, stand up and fight for them!
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2012/01/05
How the Armenian Government Released Nareg Hartounian
Thomas Jefferson once stated, “If there’s something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.”
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2011/12/21
Armenian Governor Embroiled In Another Scandal
A regional governor notorious for reportedly violent behavior has triggered yet another scandal after apparently bullying and insulting young environmental activists protesting against open-pit mining in Armenia’s southeastern Syunik province.
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2011/12/19
Armenian opposition blames authorities for spread of pedophilia, too
YEREVAN. – The opposition Armenian National Congress representative Felix Khachatryan is of the opinion that, as a result of the authorities’ wrong economic policy, the people have reached such point that they let their infant children be molested, just to make money. Khachatryan stated this during a press conference on Monday, referring to American-Armenian businessman Serop Der-Boghossian—the proprietor of Akhtala Mine Enrichment Plant—who was sentenced to prison for pedophilia.
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2011/11/25
Fight, Fight to the End… - Lilia Chakarian
Today, at the Freedom Square, thousands of people gathered again and kept repeating the same slogan: "Serge, leave ..." and "Fight, fight to the end."
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2011/11/25
ANC rally kicks off at Liberty Square
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The rally of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) has kicked off at Liberty Square.
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2011/11/25
ANC: Routes to Yerevan closed again
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The opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) issued a statement on Friday saying that the police and national Security Service have blocked the roads to the capital ahead of another rally at Liberty Square.
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2011/11/25
Authorities are preparing for election fraud
Armenian authorities are not preparing for recurrent elections, they are preparing for election fraud, Yerevan's ex-mayor, economist Vahagn Khachatryan announced during the rally of Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition alliance in Yerevan.
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2011/11/24
To publish declaration for Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation
The Armenian National Congress central office has not received any alarms from the provinces due to the tradition of closing roads for cars traveling from the provinces to the capital ahead of the rally.
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2011/11/23
"Administrative office is the best business in Armenia"
Russia-based businessman Armenian Levon Hayrapetyan wants to see a revolution in Armenia which, as he says, will not affect the security of the country.
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2011/11/22
Armenian Opposition Leader Demands Safeguards For Fair Elections
YEREVAN -- An Armenian opposition leader has challenged President Serzh Sarkisian to prove his commitment to hold democratic elections by enacting radical changes to the law and not allowing government resources to be used by his ruling Republican Party (HHK), RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
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2011/11/21
Heritage Leader urges ensuring free and fair elections
Founding leader of Heritage opposition party Raffi Hovannisian addressed an official letter to Armenian President, leader of ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Serzh Sargsyan.
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2011/10/27
October 27 – Black Day - Lilia Chakarian
The power in Armenia was beheaded exactly 12 years ago by a terrorist, Nairi Hunanyan, who “transparently appeared” at the National Assembly room and killed 8 assemblymen. The victims included the Speaker of the National Assembly Karen Demirchyan and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Vazgen Sargsyan. The terrorists demanded certain requirements and were constantly calling the President at the time, Robert Kocharyan.
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2011/10/01
Armenian opposition’s leader spends entire night at Liberty Square
Together with hundreds of opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) supporters, its leader and Armenia’s First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan likewise spent the entire night at capital Yerevan’s Liberty Square.
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2011/09/30
Armenian opposition rally started but did not end
Levon Ter-Petrossian announced 7-day-long round-the-clock protest actions, reiterating demands to authorities set at previous rally.
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2011/09/23
Armenian opposition vows to ratchet up pressure on authorities in coming weeks
Levon Ter-Petrosyan declared the start of “a new phase of struggle” and said a civil disobedience campaign and more pressure were needed for the government to comply with their demands.
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2011/09/15
All Persecution is aimed at ANC - Lilia Chakarian
Persecution is still pointed at the ANC members and activists by the Hrazdan Police, which was given direct orders of persecution by the newly appointed head of the criminal police investigation department.
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2011/08/31
Ruling Party Figure Sees Modest Opposition Presence In Armenian Parliament
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) will likely have no more than 10 seats in Armenia’s next 131-member parliament, a deputy chairman of President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican Party (HHK) predicted on Wednesday.
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2011/08/27
Armenian opposition demands it has no reason to lie
Delegation of Armenian National Congress has no reason to lie, a member of ANC delegation negotiating with authorities Vahan Khachatryan to Armenian News-NEWS.am.
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2011/08/26
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION SUSPENDS DIALOGUE WITH GOVERNMENT
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) suspended its dialogue with the government on Friday in protest against the continuing imprisonment of one of its activists arrested earlier this month.
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2011/08/19
More Opposition Youths Freed
Two more members of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) arrested last week were released from prison on Friday pending investigation into their violent dispute with police officers in Yerevan.
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2011/08/15
Armenian Opposition Threatens to Quit Talks
The Armenian National Congress (ANC) has not ruled out the possibility that it will quit political dialogue with the ruling party due to the arrest of ANC activists last week.
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2011/08/11
Armenian Police Chief Defends Opposition Arrests
Lieutenant-General Alik Sargsian, the chief of the Armenian police, on Thursday vehemently defended the arrest of seven opposition activists, saying that they assaulted and verbally abused police officers maintaining public order in Yerevan.
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2011/08/10
Opposition Youths Arrested After Clashing With Police
Seven young activists of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) were arrested late on Tuesday and remained in custody on Wednesday after clashing with police in Yerevan in unclear circumstances.
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2011/08/04
Armenian Coalition, Opposition Hold More Talks
Representatives Armenia’s governing coalition and the main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) agreed to intensify their meetings during a third round of negotiations held on Thursday.
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2011/08/02
Ter-Petrosian Reaffirms September Deadline For Government
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian reaffirmed late on Tuesday his September deadline for Armenia’s political leadership to call early elections or face a new wave of street protests by his Armenian National Congress (HAK).
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2011/07/29
Armenian National Security Service arrested journalist
Armenian National Security Service (NSS) apprehended Elina Khachaturova, journalist for Menk u Menk newspaper
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2011/07/18
Armenian Government, Opposition Launch Landmark Talks
Armenia’s governing coalition and the main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) began on Monday first-ever official negotiations that are meant to defuse lingering political tensions in the country ahead of the next national elections.
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2011/07/13
'Dialogue' In Armenia: Politics Or Theater?
Since the ouster early this year of the authoritarian leaders of Tunisia and Egypt, the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) headed by former President Levon Ter-Petrossian has convened repeated rallies in Yerevan in a bid to force the country's leadership to schedule preterm elections or risk the same fate.
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2011/06/30
Ter-Petrosian Issues New Ultimatum, Sees More Government Concessions
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian on Thursday gave President Serzh Sarkisian two months to make more concessions to his Armenian National Congress (HAK) or face “unconditional” resignation demands.
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2011/06/28
Opposition Bloc ‘Still Hopeful’ On Dialogue With Government
The Armenian National Congress (HAK) still hopes to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Armenia’s government, Stepan Demirchian, a leading member of the opposition alliance, said on Tuesday.
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2011/06/21
Ruling Party ‘Waiting’ For Next Opposition Move
The ruling Republican Party (HHK) challenged the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) on Tuesday to respond to the terms of a political dialogue with the government set by President Serzh Sarkisian.
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2011/06/07
Sarkisian Scoffs At Opposition Dialogue Proposals
President Serzh Sarkisian began a dialogue with the Armenian National Congress (HAK) “a long time ago” and will therefore not form a special negotiating team expected by the opposition grouping, his chief of staff said on Tuesday.
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2011/06/01
Opposition Bloc Names Negotiating Team For ‘Dialogue’
The main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) named late on Thursday five senior members that will represent it in anticipated negotiations with President Serzh Sarkisian’s administration.
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2011/05/27
No More ‘Political Prisoners’ In Armenia, Says Ter-Petrosian
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian told supporters that Armenians will not be imprisoned for their political activities anymore as he welcomed the release of his two prominent loyalists from prison over the weekend.
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2011/05/13
Armenia Criticized By Amnesty International
Amnesty International criticized the Armenian authorities’ human rights record on Friday, singling out what it sees as their failure to combat police brutality and domestic violence and to introduce “genuine” civilian service.
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2011/05/09
Council Of Europe Official Again Urges Release Of Armenian Oppositionists
Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, on Monday again urged the Armenian authorities to free all opposition members remaining in prison and properly investigate the March 2008 unrest in Yerevan.
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2011/05/05
Armenian Watchdog Sees Little Action Against Corruption
The Armenian authorities are still doing little to tackle endemic government corruption, the Armenian branch of the anti-graft group Transparency International said on Thursday.
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2011/04/19
Opposition Activist Walks Free From Court
An Armenian opposition activist and former boxer controversially arrested last month walked free from court on Tuesday despite being convicted of assaulting police officers during an opposition rally in Yerevan.
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2011/04/11
U.S. Remains Critical Of Armenian Human Rights Record
The United States has again criticized the Armenian authorities’ human rights record, saying that they continue to restrict citizens’ right to change their government, put pressure on courts and tolerate police abuses.
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2011/04/08
Thousands rally against Armenia government
YEREVAN — Up to 10,000 anti-government protesters rallied in the capital of ex-Soviet Armenia on Friday and occupied a central square after riot police withdrew to prevent clashes.
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2011/03/11
Word Game: Armenian opposition reacts to president’s public speeches
President Serzh Sargsyan’s interviews and major policy speeches in recent days have been largely viewed as pre-election talk and an indirect answer to the long list of demands put forward to the government by the main opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) at its latest well-attended public rally on March 1.
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2011/03/10
Armenian Rights Group Urges Release Of 'Political Prisoners'
YEREVAN -- A coalition of nongovernmental organizations in Armenia is calling for the release of all jailed opposition members, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
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2011/03/01
Ter-Petrosian In ‘Last Warning’ To Armenian Leadership
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian ramped up pressure on Armenia’s leadership on Tuesday, again rallying thousands of supporters in Yerevan and telling the authorities to hold snap elections or face a popular revolt.
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2011/02/25
L.Zurabyan: “Opposition gives the last chance to the authorities”
Opposition, public and the authorities are preparing for the March 1 rally, coordinator of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) Levon Zurabyan said on February 25.
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2011/02/24
Opposition Announces New Campaign Of Anti-Government Rallies
The main opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) announced on Friday the start of a fresh campaign of rallies in Yerevan which it hopes will force Armenia’s leadership to hold snap presidential and parliamentary elections.
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2011/02/18
Ter-Petrosian Insists On Snap Polls, Warns Of Anti-Government Unrest
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian warned Armenia’s leadership to hold fresh elections or face the kind of unrest that has rocked Arab states as he held his largest rally since the bloody suppression of his 2008 post-election protests in Yerevan on Friday.
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2011/02/16
CPJ released a report on Armenia
The organization “Committee to Protect Journalists” has released the annual report on attacking the journalists in different countries. Times.am presents the report on Armenia completely.
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2011/02/11
Rights Groups Skeptical About New Police Chief
Human rights abuses committed by Armenian law-enforcement bodies will likely continue unabated under the new chief of the national police, Vladimir Gasparian, well-known civil rights activists said on Wednesday.
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2011/01/28
Armenian opposition set to hold a series of rallies
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) is set to hold a series of rallies, with the first rally scheduled to be held on February 18, 2011 in Liberty Square in Yerevan.
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2011/01/21
U.S. Envoy Meets Ter-Petrosian
Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador to Armenia, met on Friday with opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian to discuss the internal political situation and external challenges facing the country.
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2011/01/19
Council Of Europe Official Concerned About Jailed Armenian Oppositionists
Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, has expressed concern about the continuing imprisonment of Armenian opposition members during a fact-finding visit to Yerevan, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
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2011/01/07
Armenian Military Investigates Violent Incident
Military authorities in Armenia said on Friday that they have launched a criminal investigation into the alleged beating of two civilians by a senior army officer. One of them reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries and remains a critical condition.
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2010/12/10
Hundreds Rally In Yerevan On Human Rights Day
Hundreds of opposition supporters marched through central Yerevan on Friday to mark International Human Rights Day and reiterate opposition demands for the release of Armenia’s remaining “political prisoners.”
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2010/12/09
Yerevan mayor 'hits aide' over Placido Domingo concert
The mayor of Armenia's capital Yerevan has resigned after allegations that he attacked a presidential aide over a seat at a Placido Domingo concert.
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2010/12/09
Survey Says Armenians See Increased Corruption
One in two Armenians thinks that corruption in their country has become more widespread in the past three years despite stated government efforts to combat it, according to a new opinion poll commissioned by Transparency International and released on Thursday.
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2010/11/12
HAK supporters and police clash in Yerevan
An incident has been reported near the Office of Prosecutor General where the Armenian National Congress (HAK) is holding a piquet in an attempt to voice its concerns over the authorities' illegal programs and operations posing threat to Nikol Pashinyan's life.
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2010/11/12
Ombudsman expresses readiness to help Nikol Pashinyan
On the night of November 11, at 3:54 a.m., Armenian Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan received a telephone call from the wife of Haykakan Zhamanak daily editor Nikol Pashinyan who informed the ombudsman about an assault on Nikol in the Kosh penitentiary institution.
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2010/11/09
Youth arrested
This morning police arrested HAK activists participating in the picket held in front of "Golden Tulip" Hotel in Yerevan where the two-day seminar on "EU-Armenia: Civil Society" is being held.
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2010/11/09
Speech by Levon Ter-Petrosyan
Dear fellow Armenians,
Since today's rally was convened on the occasion of the human rights seminar taking place in Yerevan within the framework of the "EU-Armenia Dialogue", the main topic of my speech will be the issue of political prisoners again. Perhaps this is the most appropriate occasion to finally clarify the Armenian National Congress's position on that issue.
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2010/10/27
Armenia Remembers 1999 Parliament Shoot-Out Victims
Armenia marked on Wednesday the 11th anniversary of an armed attack on its parliament that left its prime minister, parliament speaker and six other officials dead and had lasting political repercussions for the country.
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2010/10/19
“Devil inside, priest outside”
In his speech from the rostrum, leader of the "Hanrapetutyun" Party Aram Sargsyan touched upon one question-the protection of human rights in Armenia and said there is nothing being done in that direction.
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2010/10/19
Levon Ter-Petrosyan: Retribution time is close”
Leader of the Armenian National Congress (HAK), First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan started his speech with difficulty as the people gathered near the Matenadaran kept screaming "Levon, Levon" for several minutes.
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2010/10/15
Ter-Petrosian Decries ‘Incredible’ Corruption
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian accused Armenia’s leadership of presiding over an “incredibly” corrupt political and economic system at a fresh rally held by his Armenian National Congress (HAK) on Friday.
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2010/10/08
HAK activists bypass Liberty Square
Young activists of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) today held a march in downtown Yerevan chanting "Freedom to Liberty Square," "Armenia's survival depends on you."
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2010/10/01
Levon Ter-Petrosyan addresses letter to CoE Secretary General
Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan addressed a letter to CoE Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland
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2010/09/20
Ter-Petrosian Warns Yerevan Against Karabakh Deal
Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian warned President Serzh Sarkisian against making an unpopular peace deal with Azerbaijan as his Armenian National Congress (HAK) launched what it called a “new wave” of anti-government street protests late on Friday.
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2010/09/20
Ter-Petrosian Pushes For Broader Opposition Collaboration
Armenia’s main opposition has again called on all “democratic forces” to join its continuing push for a leadership change in the country, indicating that last month’s elections to Yerevan’s municipal council swept by the ruling party brought forth no need for changing its further action mode.
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2009/12/25
Policemen are tried and amnestied
A Yerevan court today sentenced Kentron district policemen Gegham Harutyunyan and Hovhannes Ghukasyan to two years' imprisonment.
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2009/12/24
OLIGARCHY IS THE THREAT
On December 24, summing up and assessing the year 2009, the representative of the Armenian National Congress David Shahnazaryan said the year did not bring any achievement to Armenia, instead the economic decrease showed that the oligarchic system is one of the threats to the Armenian national security.
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2009/12/11
WHEN IS THE END? - Open Letter by Lilia Chakarian
Mr. non-legal President, you can consider my article as an open letter as well. It has almost been a year since you have started playing your role, which is called the President of the Republic of Armenia, and it should be said that you play it pretty bad. Not only me, but any Armenian, I believe, would not think that during the independence, about which we had been dreaming, we will be among the world’s countries that are reckoned to those which violate human rights, have despotic regime, have violated press, have reporters, who are persecuted and corrupted, and have shameful social-economic conditions. So, as you sow, you shall mow... Well, everything one after another... The tragedy of your governing began with the addition of another sad day to the history of Armenia. You are right. March 1st can be reckoned among the memorial days of innocent victims, can be reckoned among another genocide day, this time not by Turks, but by Armenian authorities – a crime against one’s own nation. The authority, which Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the leader of ANC (Armenian National Congress), called Tatar-Mongol regime. The door of the Armenian Government was knocked with bloody hands. I think it is needless to talk about election falsifications, because since 1998 and until the present, all elections in Armenia had been falsified and the brilliant proof to that are severe censures of the authorities of Armenia by different international organizations: the US State Department, Human Rights, Freedom House, Helsinki Human Rights Committee, European Council… Shall I continue or that is enough?
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2009/12/09
LEVON TER-PETROSYAN MET WITH THE UN-ARMENIA DIALOGUE MISSION
On December 8, the Armenian first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan met with the Armenia-EU dialogue mission on human rights - the Sweden's ambassador for Human issues Jan Axel Nordlander
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2009/06/12
Ter-Petrosian Pushes For Broader Opposition Collaboration
Armenia’s main opposition has again called on all “democratic forces” to join its continuing push for a leadership change in the country, indicating that last month’s elections to Yerevan’s municipal council swept by the ruling party brought forth no need for changing its further action mode.
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2009/06/06
STATEMENT ON THE ANNULEMENT OF THE FACT-FINDING GROUP
On June 6, Serzh Sargsyan annulled his executive order on the establishment of the Fact-Finding Group of Experts, and thereby put an end to the activities of the Group.
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2009/06/04
Invalid elections in three polling stations
According to Part 4, Article 40 of the RA Electoral Code, in the case of invalid results of elections, the present materials are presented to the prosecutor's office to instigate a criminal case.
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2009/06/03
Citizens complain of election outcome
Part of Yerevan citizens regret participating in the May 31 mayoral election.
A1+ conducted a poll to learn our citizens' opinion on the Sunday vote.
Most of our respondents say the outcome of the election was predetermined and their votes were ignored.
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2009/06/01
People expect HAK to act
"We feared lest you should be disappointed with the election outcome. But your presence and determination encourage us to continue the struggle," senior oppositionist Ararat Zurabyan said during today's rally of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK).
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2009/06/01
"Shame on you!"
"The electoral system of Armenia was finally ruined after yesterday's election," announced Amalia Kostanyan, Head of the Transparency International Organization.
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2009/05/31
Levon Ter-Petrosyan will express his opinion tomorrow
HAK's candidate for Yerevan's Mayor, Levon Ter-Petrosyan voted at Precinct 9/10 at 1.00 p.m.
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2009/05/31
Came from Gyumri to vote
Ten "Gazel" minibuses were parked in front of the Armenian Football Federation building until 5 p.m., while drivers were sitting on the sidewalks.
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2009/05/29
Opposition newspapers bought up
"Aravot," "Haykakan Zhamanak," "Hayq" and "Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" dailies disappeared from the kiosks of Erebuni District today morning. A group of people bought up all copies of the aforesaid newspapers.
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2009/05/29
Levon Ter-Petrossian's Speech at the May 29, 2009 Rally
Dear compatriots,
Today I will try to refrain from going into a systematized analysis of domestic and foreign policy issues as I will limit myself to some observations only, which are deduced from the current situation.
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2009/05/29
HAK rallies thousands near the Matenadaran
The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) today concluded its election campaign with a rally near the Matenadaran.
The opening ceremony was trusted to "Mher Manukyan" rock group which performed songs authored by Nikol Pashinyan.
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2009/03/15
Levon Ter-Petrosyan to Run for Yerevan Mayor
Today, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, was selected to head the ticket of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) in the upcoming Yerevan mayoral election.
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2009/02/27
2008/10/23
Arman Babajanian: Imprisoned For His Political Activity - By Sarkis Chakarian
The 32 year old chief editor and founder of Zhamanak – Yerevan daily Armenian newspaper, Arman Babajanian was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison in the year of 2006 for something he did not do.
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2008/10/14
TECHNOLOGY WILL PROVE THAT THE JAW AND BLOOD ARE UNEDITED
The activities of the NA temporary committee on the March 1 events are getting more and more absurd. For months, the committee was trying to find out at what time the dispersion of demonstrators from Freedom Square began and when it ended, and then they tried to confuse the Armenian public claiming that the video going around was edited and the scenes of a person’s jaw or blood did not correspond to the reality.
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2008/10/10
Armenian Opposition Sees ‘Turning Point’ In Struggle
Next week’s opposition rally in Yerevan will mark a “turning point” in the Armenian opposition’s year-long struggle against the government, a top ally of former President Levon Ter-Petrosian said on Friday.
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2008/10/08
OPPOSITION CLAIM PARTIALLY UPHELD
The judge of the Armenian Administrative Court Artsrun Mirzoyan has partly upheld the claim of the Armenian National Congress against the Yerevan City Hall.
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2008/10/02
“I JOINED LEVON WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE”
We joined the Movement and are going to stay as long as the people never lose faith in Levon Ter-Petrosyan. I joined the movement with a clear conscience. We are going to fight until the end, that is, until we see Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the big chair,” stated today Jirair Sefilyan in response to those who think that Sefilyan regrets standing by Levon Ter-Petrosyan and joining the Armenian National Congress. This was the only statement made by Sefilyan on this topic. His main topic today was the foreign policies of the authorities and promised “A1+” to discuss domestic policies as well.
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2008/09/02
LEVON TER-PETROSYAN REVEALS THREE MORE DOCUMENTS
On September 2 the first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan held a news conference and revealed three documents which, according to Levon Ter-Petrosyan, are evidence to the monstrous crimes of the present government which it commits against the society and the state, as well as indicate the level of the spheres of law enforcement and justice.
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2008/09/02
Ter-Petrosian Unsure Of Success
Former President Levon Ter-Petrosian sounded a cautious note about his forthcoming fresh push for regime change on Tuesday, saying that both the Armenian authorities and his opposition movement are “in deadlock” after months of bitter political confrontation.
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2008/08/09
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION INSISTS ON PRESIDENT'S RESIGNATION, NEW ELECTIONS
The Armenian opposition insists on President Serzh Sargsyan's
resignation and the holding of new presidential elections, Ruzanna
Khachatrian, a member of the board of the opposition People's Party,
said at a press conference on Thursday.
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2008/08/09
ARMENIAN OPPOSITIONIST: "ARMENIA'S WORKING POWERS DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL IMAGE OF THE COUNTRY AND PURSUE THEIR OWN INTERESTS"
"The only external task of Armenian powers today is to conceal their
crimes", said representative of opposition Public movement David
Shahnazaryan.
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2008/08/07
DAVID SHAHNAZARIAN: MOST IMPORTANT TASK OF PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT IS TO HOLD EARLY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA
The most imprtant task of People's
Movement (PM) and the currently forming Armenian National Congress
(ANC) is to remove Serzh Sargsyan from his post and hold early
presidential elections, representative of the PM center David
Shahnazarian stated at the August 7 press conference, adding that it
is necessary to establish legal power through elections and restore
the constitutional order in Armenia.
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2008/08/06
ARMENIA: PUSH FOR KOCHARIAN TRIAL -- A PUSH FOR PR?
In a move that could very well hamper rather than promote political reconciliation in Armenia, the country’s leading opposition politician, Levon Ter-Petrosian, is mounting a campaign to have former president Robert Kocharian tried for "heavy crimes" against the Armenian people.
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2008/08/06
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION DEMANDS PRESIDENT'S RESIGNATION
Armenian opposition leader and former President Levon Ter-Petrosian
demanded President Serzh Sargsyan's resignation and the calling of
early presidential elections at an opposition rally on Friday.
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2008/08/02
Armenian opposition gets organized: protests to heat up in September
Despite unbearable heat and vacation season almost at its height, thousands joined the opposition rally in central Yerevan sending a very clear message to the authorities that discontent with the current state of affairs has no signs of fading away. It was despite reportedly blocking the roads to the capital (surprise-surprise!) to prevent people from the regions to attend the rally. It was despite the ‘killing’ heat which forced many people to gather in surrounding areas, under the shade, and then join the post-rally march, which was impressive by any standards. With its inability to alleviate political crisis, administration of Armenia’s incumbent president Serj Sargsyan faces the very real possibility of high scale popular upheaval in months to come.
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2008/07/19
When You One Tries to Bypass the Bloodshed of March 1st
July 19 is the hundredth day of Serge Sargsyan’s presidency. Usually, this is the period when the first steps of a president are assessed and conclusions on his further steps are made. What can be concluded from one hundred days of presidency of Serge Sargsyan? Almost nothing or that during those one hundred days the presidency did not start. The point is that Serge Sargsyan has been unable to solve the most important problem, the legitimacy of the government. Unless this problem is solved, presidency cannot be considered as complete even if one is president for ten years or even one hundred years.
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2008/06/27
CHARGES INTRODUCED TO CHAIRMAN OF THE PRECINCT ELECTORAL COMMISSION 13/16
According to the communication of the RA General Prosecutor’s Office of June 27, the Chairman of the Precinct Electoral Commission 13/16 of Erebuni community of Yerevan Vasil Afian was charged on Article 149 of the RA Criminal Code (“Obstruction of the realization of the right to vote, the work of electoral commissions or the competence of people taking part in elections”). The case was directed to the court of general jurisdiction of Erebuni and Nubarashen communities of Yerevan.
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2008/06/26
Armenian Government Failed to Lull March 1 Murders Issue
The CoE secretary general Terry Davis said in an interview with Radio Liberty that the most important is the investigation of the murders of March 1.
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2008/06/05
Levon Ter-Petrosyan "Youth is the pillar of our society"
Armenia’s First President addressed the rally at Liberty Square today.
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2008/06/04
DID THE SIDES START A DIALOGUE_
Member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutiun (ARF) Alvard Petrossian would have participated in Ter-Petrossian’s rallies and political strolls in Northern Avenue if she hadn’t broken her leg. “I live in Armenia and I am interested in all events occurring in my homeland,” Alvard Petrossian said today.
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2008/05/28
ADVANCING FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY REPORTS 2008
Armenia is a constitutional republic with a popularly elected president and a unicameral legislature (National Assembly). The February 2008 presidential elections were significantly flawed. Problems included favorable treatment of the government's candidate, instances of ballot stuffing, vote-buying, multiple voting, voter intimidation, violence against opposition commission members and proxies, and suspiciously high turnout figures. On March 1, 2008, the government imposed a state of emergency and used force to disperse large crowds of protesters, restricting media freedoms and the right of assembly and arresting scores of protesters.
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2008/04/29
Judge orders resumed inquest into appeal in dismissed “Death in Police Custody” Case
Last May Levon Gulyan, 31, was taken to police for questioning as a presumed witness of a murder committed near a restaurant that belonged to him and several hours later his family received his dead body.
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2008/04/18
ARMENIA: US OFFICIALS SAY YEREVAN RISKS LOSING DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
Armenia could lose US economic support if it does not quickly take action to promote a "national dialogue," US legislators and administration officials are cautioning.
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2008/04/18
The Council of Europe threatens to deny Armenia the right to vote
2008/04/14
Political Prisoner: Arman Babajanian - By Sarkis Chakarian
Arrested in June 26, 2006 in Yerevan Armenia, Arman Babajanian, never saw it coming. He was visiting Armenia as his newspaper “Zhamanak”, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, opened its Armenian Branch in Yerevan, Armenia. It was several days after “Zhamanak” started operating in Yerevan, when Arman Babajanian was imprisoned. The charges that were brought against him are supposedly regarding him not serving in the Armenian army. The actual charge brought forth by the prosecution was “Avoidance of military service, military exercise or summons”. In addition, the authorities convicted Arman Babajanian, not only for not serving in Armenian Army, but also for supposedly making fraudulent documents to dismiss his requirement in serving in the Armenian army. Their accusation of forging documents to avoid drafting for military service in November 2002 and avoidance of military service followed by a conviction to a sentence of 3.5 years in prison.
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2008/03/21
Bloody Saturday: A breakdown of the day that broke a nation
The cloak of darkness and repression that fell on Yerevan late on March 1 began as a beaming promise to voters under drizzly October skies. Armenia’s opposition, silenced in 2003 by a show of political might, and in 2004 by physical force, once again found its voice with the return to politics of the country’s first elected president Levon Ter-Petrosyan.
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2008/03/07
Dark Days in Armenia
The democracy that Armenians dreamed of during their long decades under Moscow’s yoke is slipping away. After opponents challenged last month’s flawed presidential election, the government imposed a brutal state of emergency. At least eight people are now dead, independent news outlets throttled and all protests silenced. President Bush and other Western leaders need to make clear to Armenia’s government that such behavior is unacceptable and will jeopardize future relations. Compared to post-Soviet tyrannies like Belarus or Uzbekistan, Armenia may not look so bad. That is why it is so important to halt this slide into authoritarianism before it is too late.
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2008/03/03
Internet is being consored in Armenia
In the evening of March 2, the Internet Society of Armenia (ISOC) has ILLEGALLY stopped the maintenance of several domains, including A1+ - www.a1plus.am, Haykakan Zhamanak – www.azatutyun.am, E-channel – www.echannel.am. In the database of ISOC- https://www.amnic.net/whois/ , they are registered as “on hold.”
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2008/03/02
Armenia: Civilians Die as Police Suppress Demonstrations and Riots
The Armenian government should launch a prompt and independent investigation into the use of lethal force by security forces to quell demonstrations and rioting overnight on March 1, 2008, Human Rights Watch said today. The violence occurred after a 20-day state of emergency was declared by President Robert Kocharian in response to an alleged threat to public order posed by opposition demonstrators.
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2008/03/02
Armenia: Police Beat Peaceful Protesters in Yerevan - State of Emergency Restricts Civil Liberties and Free Press
Armenian police on March 1 used excessive force and violence to disperse demonstrators protesting peacefully against recent election results, Human Rights Watch said today. Following the crackdown on demonstrators, President Robert Kocharian decreed a state of emergency in Yerevan, the capital, until March 20, 2008. There was a heavy police presence overnight in central Yerevan.
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2008/02/14
Armenia crackdown: an ex-Soviet pattern?
Armenia is the latest in a string of ex-Soviet countries to crack down hard on peaceful protesters alleging electoral fraud. Last weekend, security forces – using truncheons, tear gas, and stun guns – dispersed several thousand supporters of former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan.
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