Political revenge and an atmosphere of terror can never serve national unity and the strengthening of the state, says Genesis Armenia
Genesis Armenia Think Tank/Foundation has issued a statement regarding the crackdown and arrests of opposition figures.
“In Armenia, the authoritarian regime continues its policy of illegal arrests and repression under false accusations. A new wave of persecution is accompanied by unfounded and blatantly fabricated charges against opposition figures. Specifically, criminal cases under the headings of ‘attempt to overthrow the constitutional order’ are being re-used as tools to silence dissent and restrict democratic freedoms.
The house searches and baseless arrests of members and supporters of the Holy Struggle aim to fundamentally dismantle the opposition institution in Armenia, violating the security and national-state interests of Armenia and the Armenian people to maintain their own power. The dishonorable rhetoric of the Armenian prime minister regarding attempts to prevent a “coup,” along with fabricated and pathological declarations, are nothing but evident manifestations of a discredited dictator’s fears and mental instability.
Such actions contradict the fundamental principles of the rule of law and threaten the foundations of freedom of speech, political pluralism, and legal protection in Armenia.
By applying pressure on political opponents, the authorities undermine democratic institutions and legal trust. The use of false charges and one-sided investigations is not a sign of justice but of repressive politics.
We are calling on our citizens and compatriots in Armenia and the diaspora to increase pressure on the Armenian authorities and the Armenian diplomatic missions abroad to stop the politically motivated criminal persecutions. The authorities’ conduct has already crossed all boundaries of morality and legality, becoming a dangerous tool to silence any voices criticizing the government. This explicitly violates Articles 6 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the freedom of expression.
Democracy is impossible without ideological struggle—patience toward freedom and opposition. Political revenge and an atmosphere of terror can never serve national unity and the strengthening of the state.
Genesis Armenia strongly condemns this dictatorial policy of the authorities and demands an immediate halt to political persecutions against all opposition circles, especially activists and supporters of the Holy Struggle, the release of all detained opposition members, and guarantees of the independence of the judicial system.
