US Embassy expresses concern over acts of violence against journalists

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The US Embassy in Armenia expressed concern regarding acts of violence against journalists, and considered Prosecutor General’s launch of a criminal case in this regard a positive initial step.

The US Embassy issued a statement in regard to the events in Khorenatsi Street and Sari Tagh overnight July 29-30.

“We remain committed to working in partnership with civil society and individuals within the government who are truly committed to strengthening rule of law. At the same time, information gleaned by the investigations into police misconduct, as well as information gathered by credible independent reports, will inform future decisions about participation in Embassy programs and activities”, the statement reads.

At the same time the Embassy urged the Government to take full, independent and transparent investigations regarding all episodes of human rights violations and hold the responsible persons accountable for.

“We urge the Armenian government to take immediate steps to prevent a repeat of similar incidents of Armenian citizens’ Constitutional and human rights violations”, the statement reads.

The Embassy welcomed the Armenian Ombudsman’s efforts to document the reports of violence against protestors, journalists, and passersby, and to advocate for the rights of those in detention.