FIDH and CSI note with concern that Artur Osipyan started a hunger strike since the beginning of his detention, demanding a public apology from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. His lawyer has also raised concerns regarding his conditions of detention, including reports that he is being held in a damp cell without adequate sunlight, as well as his deteriorating health condition.FIDH and CSI express serious concern regarding the criminalisation measures taken against Artur Osipyan. Public debate, including charged political exchanges, falls within the scope of freedom of expression protected under the Armenian Constitution and international law. Public officials, particularly during electoral periods, must tolerate a higher degree of criticism.
FIDH and CSI recall that any restriction on freedom of expression must comply with the requirements established under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), to which Armenia is a State party. In accordance with Article 10(2) of the ECHR, restrictions on freedom of expression must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and remain necessary and proportionate in a democratic society. The arrest, criminal prosecution and pre-trial detention of Artur Osipyan following a verbal exchange with the Prime Minister are manifestly disproportionate and risk creating a chilling effect on political criticism and freedom of expression during the electoral period.
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FIDH and CSI strongly condemn the arrest, criminal prosecution and detention of Artur Osipyan, which appear to be politically motivated and aimed at silencing him and deterring other individuals from publicly criticising the policies of the Armenian authorities, and urge the Armenian authorities to immediately release Artur Osipyan and drop all charges against him.
