The topic of “Aravot” online “Face to face” program transmission is discussed between human rights defender, Artak Zeynalyan, and active citizen, Vahagn Minasyan.
Aram Abrahamyan – On Friday, the Administrative court, basically, considered the actions committed against the four activists about a year ago illegitimate and confiscated 150 thousand dram each from the police as an amount of compensation for legal services. Vahagn, please remind us what is the matter about and which events serve as a basis for a lawsuit.
Vahagn Minasyan – Under the 24-hour open-end sit-in strike declared since July 26, 2013, the process of presenting our claims by the loudspeaker in front of the municipality were interrupted by the police officers.
A. A. – What were your claims?
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V. M. – Transport fare rise, and we were demanding, of course, to dismiss the officials who had made illegal decision. Responsibility institution building-related questions were raised, and we were voicing them by the loudspeaker. The police officers prevented us and apprehended to the Police Department, after which they filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court against us for this case.
A. A. – And the Administrative Court decided that you are right and the police is wrong.
V. M. – Yes, there were irrefutable evidences, which were presented by professional lawyers, in the face of Mr. Zeynalyan, and the police actions were declared illegitimate.
A. A. – Based on my age, I may agree that our streets are quiet, that no one shouts, that no one lies on the ground, and blocks the road, that no one says, you are rascal as you do not protest, and I’m good, and so on and so forth. Should my opinion be considered or not?
Artak Zeynalyan – It’s a matter of taste, generally, who imagines how to conduct protest actions. Such suggestions are made to the ruling party’s youth wing, or student council representatives. They say, go and hold a quiet protest, or go further, or go and hold a protest at the “Dinamo” stadium, but the right to freedom of peaceful rallies, the right to meetings, and the right to freedom of expression is such a right that it can also be stunning, that the people and the surrounding would not like it much, however, this right must be protected. This is from the basis of democratic society. This is a very fundamental right. The civil society rests on this and may become a stimulus for the development of each individual. Therefore, it should be provided. If a person has come to conclusion that he needs to express his protest like that, then it is worthy to be expressed so in order to invite the attention of the public at him, too.
A. A. – Let’s assume I am passing by the protesters, I agree with the decision of the Municipality and am ready to pay 150 drams to the fixed-route taxis. The activists say, well, you’re a scoundrels and the regime serviceman. Is it right or wrong?
A. Z. – The phrase “you are a scoundrel” will be intervention in the right to the person’s dignity, but when a dispute arises, it is normal. At the same time, people should refrain from insulting others’ dignity. In this sense, I think that our constituents would not be allowed such action. Theoretically, while insulting someone else’s dignity, you should refrain from abusing. The discussion as a whole
Prepared by ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
“Face to Face” talk show series are released by the Open Society Foundations- Armenia. The views and analyzes found in this broadcast express the opinions of the participants, and are not approved by the Open Society Foundations-Armenia, or its Board. This broadcast is made available thanks to comprehensive financial support by the Open Society Foundations-Armenia, under the mass media support program, grant No 18624.
