For the first time, round-table on intolerance, xenophobia and homophobia in Armenia was organised by The National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) affiliated with the parliamentary opposition Heritage party. I welcome the initiative. Hopefully, this discussion will continue, eventually evolving a broader spectrum of the society, media and political representatives. As coordinator of the NCI Hovsep Khurshudyan rightly pointed out, Armenia, facing so many challenges, simply cannot afford xenophobia, homophobia and intolerance towards others' political or religious views.
For details - Unzipped: Gay Armenia
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Unanswered Questions: Families and friends of Tehran-Yerevan flight victims protest at Caspian Airline and Iran aviation authorities
Via a friend on Facebook, I received the following info: "Today 22nd of July, at 11:30 more than 250 Iranian-Armenians & Iranian Muslims from the families and friends of 'Tehran-Yerevan' flight victims, gathered in front of the so-called 'Caspian Airlines' headquarter in order to raise their anger toward the indifference and insolence of this airline management, the Iranian Aviation Organisation and the Transportation Ministry."
Iranian Armenian journalist Vartan Davtian provides more details on his blog posting also pictures of the action. He indicates that families and friends of the victims are outraged with the lack of transparency on causes of that accident, and there were calls to boycott the airline.
*photos - via Vartan Davtian blog
Iranian Armenian journalist Vartan Davtian provides more details on his blog posting also pictures of the action. He indicates that families and friends of the victims are outraged with the lack of transparency on causes of that accident, and there were calls to boycott the airline.
Այսօր կէսօրին, ժամը 11.33 –ին Թեհրան – Երեւան տխուր չւերթի զոհերի ընտանիքները եւ մի խումբ թահրանահայեր համախմբւելով չւերթը իրականացնող «Քասփիան» ընկերութեան գրասենեակի առջեւ, բողոքեցին վթարի պատճառները չյայտարարւելու եւ այս թւով զոհերի նկատմամբ կիրառած անտարբերութեան քաղաքականութեան դէմ։ Թէեւ ընկերութեան պատասխանատուները անգամներ ցուցարարներին շէնքի ներսը հրաւիրեցին բացատրութիւններ տալու համար, սակայն նրանք չընդունելով, պահանջեցին իրենք՝ պատասխանատուները դուրս գան եւ բացատրութիւններ տան բողոքող հանրութեանը։ Ներկաները առանձին արտայայտութիւններով ակնարկեցին մի շարք թերութիւնների, որոնք մինչեւ օրս դրանց համար բացատրութիւններ չեն տրւել։ Ներկաները, որոք իրենց հետ կրում էին զոհերի անհատական եւ հաւախմբւած լուսանկարները, ժողովրդից ուզեցին որ բոլկոտի ենթարկեն թէ՛ «Քասփիան» ընկերութիւնը, եւ թէ՛ «Թոփոլոֆ» տեսակի օդանաւները։ Այդ ընթացքում, զոհերից մէկի հարազատը միւս զոհերն կողմից ընթերցեց 14 կէտերից բաղկացած մի բողոքի բանաձեւ, որը հաստատւեց ներկաների կողմից։ Վերջում նոյն բանաձեւը որպէս համախօսական ստորագրւեց ներկաների կողմից ու յանձնւեց պատասխանատուներին։ Նոյնը պիտի յանձնւի նաեւ պատական միւս պատասխանատուներին։ Նշելի է, որ օդանաւային այդ ընկերութիւնը փորձեց նոյն օդանաւի տեխնիկական մասնագէտ՝ Գրիգոր Յովհաննիսեանի միջոցով պարզաբանումներ կատարեն դէպքի մասին, սակայն ցուցարարները խուսափեցին լսել նրան։ Ցոյցը կազմակերպւել էր ինքնակոչ կերպով՝ զոհերի հարազատների կողմից ու ընթացաւ խաղաղ կերպով։
*photos - via Vartan Davtian blog
Saturday, 18 July 2009
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders condemns detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Azerbaijan youth activists
By the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Arbitrary Detention, Beating and Denial of Timely Medical Assistance to Azerbaijani Youth Activists
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders condemns arbitrary detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev).
Adnan Hajizade is the coordinator of OL! Youth Movement and well-known video-blogger, Emin Milli is the chairman of Alumni Network (AN) Youth Organisation and leader of ANTV Online TV, in Baku on July 8, 2009.
According to the information received by the Network, at around 8 pm on July 8, 2009, two athletic type young men severely assaulted Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, while they were sitting in a Baku restaurant, asking them “Why do you criticize the government?”
When they went to the police station to complain about the assaults, the police of the Sabail District denied medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli and detained them under charges of hooliganism (Article 221.2.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code). Both were denied access to the lawyers of their own choice until the following day. On July 10, 2009 the Sabail District Court ordered the activists to be detained for two months in pre-trial detention.
The detention of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli seems to be exclusively motivated by a wish to sanction them because of their recent activities.
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders wants to remind Azerbaijani authorities that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention as guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution the European Convention on Human Rights.
The 30 NGOs within the South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders [Unzipped: list of NGOs is available here] urge the Azerbaijani authorities to
Immediately release Adnan Hajizade, and Emin Milli in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international law and standards, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial, independent, competent and fair tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;
Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, impartial tribunal
Guarantee physical and psychological integrity of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev) as required by the international human rights obligations which are binding on Azerbaijan.
Ensure that both are examined by independent doctors and receive adequate medical care.
Letter sent to:
Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68, E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az; president@gov.az; root@lider.baku.az
Prosecutor´s Office of the Azerbaijani Republic, 7 Nigar Rafibeyli St., Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 82, +994 (12) 492 26 63, E-mail: prosec@azeri.com
Minister of Internal Affairs of the Azerbaijani Republic, Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov, Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: + 994 (12) 492 45 90
Ministry of National Security Center of Public Relations, Baku, Parliament Avenue, 2, Tel: 493-76-22 Fax: +994 493-76-22, E-mail: cpr@mns.gov.az
Minister of Justice in Azerbaijan, Prospekt Stroitelej, 1 Baku Azerbaijan, E-mail: contact@justice.gov.az, Tel: + 994 (12) 430 01 16, Fax: + 994 (12) 430 09 81
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammedyarov, 4, S. Qurbanov Str., Baku AZ 1009, Azerbaijan Tel: +994 (12) 596 90 00, Fax: +994 (12) 498 84 80, E-mail: secretariat@mfa.gov.az ; katiblik@mfa.gov.az
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, Rue de Lausanne 67, CH-1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail: az.mission.unog@iprolink.ch, fax: +4122 901 18 44
Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Moliere, 464, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 345 26 60, Fax: +32 2 345 91 85
Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Ms Elmira Suleimanova
Copies sent to:
Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders
The OSCE/ODIHR, Human Rights Focal Point, Warsaw
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan
Swedish Embassy in Georgia
French Embassy in Azerbaijan
US Embassy in Azerbaijan
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Arbitrary Detention, Beating and Denial of Timely Medical Assistance to Azerbaijani Youth Activists
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders condemns arbitrary detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev).
Adnan Hajizade is the coordinator of OL! Youth Movement and well-known video-blogger, Emin Milli is the chairman of Alumni Network (AN) Youth Organisation and leader of ANTV Online TV, in Baku on July 8, 2009.
According to the information received by the Network, at around 8 pm on July 8, 2009, two athletic type young men severely assaulted Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, while they were sitting in a Baku restaurant, asking them “Why do you criticize the government?”
When they went to the police station to complain about the assaults, the police of the Sabail District denied medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli and detained them under charges of hooliganism (Article 221.2.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code). Both were denied access to the lawyers of their own choice until the following day. On July 10, 2009 the Sabail District Court ordered the activists to be detained for two months in pre-trial detention.
The detention of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli seems to be exclusively motivated by a wish to sanction them because of their recent activities.
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders wants to remind Azerbaijani authorities that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention as guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution the European Convention on Human Rights.
The 30 NGOs within the South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders [Unzipped: list of NGOs is available here] urge the Azerbaijani authorities to
Immediately release Adnan Hajizade, and Emin Milli in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international law and standards, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial, independent, competent and fair tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;
Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, impartial tribunal
Guarantee physical and psychological integrity of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev) as required by the international human rights obligations which are binding on Azerbaijan.
Ensure that both are examined by independent doctors and receive adequate medical care.
Letter sent to:
Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68, E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az; president@gov.az; root@lider.baku.az
Prosecutor´s Office of the Azerbaijani Republic, 7 Nigar Rafibeyli St., Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 82, +994 (12) 492 26 63, E-mail: prosec@azeri.com
Minister of Internal Affairs of the Azerbaijani Republic, Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov, Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: + 994 (12) 492 45 90
Ministry of National Security Center of Public Relations, Baku, Parliament Avenue, 2, Tel: 493-76-22 Fax: +994 493-76-22, E-mail: cpr@mns.gov.az
Minister of Justice in Azerbaijan, Prospekt Stroitelej, 1 Baku Azerbaijan, E-mail: contact@justice.gov.az, Tel: + 994 (12) 430 01 16, Fax: + 994 (12) 430 09 81
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammedyarov, 4, S. Qurbanov Str., Baku AZ 1009, Azerbaijan Tel: +994 (12) 596 90 00, Fax: +994 (12) 498 84 80, E-mail: secretariat@mfa.gov.az ; katiblik@mfa.gov.az
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, Rue de Lausanne 67, CH-1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail: az.mission.unog@iprolink.ch, fax: +4122 901 18 44
Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Moliere, 464, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 345 26 60, Fax: +32 2 345 91 85
Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Ms Elmira Suleimanova
Copies sent to:
Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders
The OSCE/ODIHR, Human Rights Focal Point, Warsaw
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan
Swedish Embassy in Georgia
French Embassy in Azerbaijan
US Embassy in Azerbaijan
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders condemns the murder of Natalia Estemirova in Russia
By the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Statement Condemning the Murder of Natalia Estemirova, a Prominent Journalist and a Human Rights Defender
The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders strongly condemns the murder of the prominent human rights defender Natalia Estemirova. On the international day of justice, July 17, we call upon the Russian authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of this case and previous murders of human rights defenders in the country. We also call upon the Russian authorities to further ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in their country.
On July 15, 2009 Natalia Estemirova was abducted by four men near her home in Grozny, the capital of Chechen Republic. Hours later, Russian officials announced that her body had been found in Ingushetia with gunshot wounds in the head and chest.
Natalia Estemirova, from the Russian human rights organization "Memorial", was one of the leading human rights defenders in the Northern Caucasus. She played a crucial role in exposing abuses committed by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's militia and Russian forces in Chechnya. Natalia Estemirova’s work in defence of human rights has been acknowledged with international awards. She was the first receiver of Anna Politkovskaya Award (2007), winner of the Prize of the Swedish Parliament "Right to Existence" (2004) and European Parliament’s Robert Schumann Medal (2005).
Recently Estemirova was involved in investigating crimes of torture, executions and disappearances of people in the Chechen Republic. Authorities of the Chechen Republic have often expressed their discontent with her work.
The murder of Estemirova is not the first case of killing a human rights defender in Russia. On October 7, 2006 the prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow and on January 19, 2009 the human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and the journalist Anastasia Baburova were murdered in Moscow. None of these cases have been thoroughly and impartially investigated by the authorities.
Ongoing impunity for the killings of human rights defenders and the murder of Natalia Estemirova is a pressing reminder to all of us that lives and physical security of human rights defenders are still in danger in many parts of the world, including the Caucasus. This climate of impunity undermines protection and respect for human rights and freedoms of each and every individual and is unacceptable.
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon the Russian authorities to:
conduct immediate, thorough and impartial investigation on the case of murder of Natalia Estemirova and in this respect investigate the responsibility of the President of Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov
conduct thorough and impartial investigations in murders of Anna Politkovskaya, Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova and bring those responsible to justice.
abide by human rights obligations enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian and international human rights instruments which Russia has committed to uphold
ensure safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in the country as stated in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon international actors to:
condemn the murder of Natalia Estemirova and urge Russian authorities to conduct the immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of the case
call upon Russian authorities to ensure safety and security of human rights defenders in the Russian Federation.
Signed by the members of the Network:
Azerbaijan
Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety
Human Rights Center
International Student Cooperation,
Public Association for Assistance for Free Economy
Association for the Protection of Women’s Rights in Azerbaijan after D. Aliyeva
Democracy and HR Resource Centre Public Union (Sungait),
Legal Education Society,
Society for Humanitarian Research
Institute for Peace and Democracy
Media Rights Institute
Election Monitoring and Education Center
Georgia
Human Rights Center (HRIDC)
Center for the protection the constitutional rights
Anti-violence Network of Georgia (AVNG)
Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights
Article 42 of the Constitutions
Multinational Georgia
Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims
Studio Reporter
Caucasian Center for Conflict and Human Rights
Inclusive
Armenia
Armenian Helsinki Association
Helsinki Assembly, Vanadzor
Socioscope
Democracy Today
Armenian Helsinki Assembly, Yerevan
Jurists against Torture
Women´s Resource Center Armenia
Vernatun- Political Prisoners' Wives
Asparez, Journalist Club, Gyumri region
Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK)
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Statement Condemning the Murder of Natalia Estemirova, a Prominent Journalist and a Human Rights Defender
The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders strongly condemns the murder of the prominent human rights defender Natalia Estemirova. On the international day of justice, July 17, we call upon the Russian authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of this case and previous murders of human rights defenders in the country. We also call upon the Russian authorities to further ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in their country.
On July 15, 2009 Natalia Estemirova was abducted by four men near her home in Grozny, the capital of Chechen Republic. Hours later, Russian officials announced that her body had been found in Ingushetia with gunshot wounds in the head and chest.
Natalia Estemirova, from the Russian human rights organization "Memorial", was one of the leading human rights defenders in the Northern Caucasus. She played a crucial role in exposing abuses committed by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's militia and Russian forces in Chechnya. Natalia Estemirova’s work in defence of human rights has been acknowledged with international awards. She was the first receiver of Anna Politkovskaya Award (2007), winner of the Prize of the Swedish Parliament "Right to Existence" (2004) and European Parliament’s Robert Schumann Medal (2005).
Recently Estemirova was involved in investigating crimes of torture, executions and disappearances of people in the Chechen Republic. Authorities of the Chechen Republic have often expressed their discontent with her work.
The murder of Estemirova is not the first case of killing a human rights defender in Russia. On October 7, 2006 the prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow and on January 19, 2009 the human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and the journalist Anastasia Baburova were murdered in Moscow. None of these cases have been thoroughly and impartially investigated by the authorities.
Ongoing impunity for the killings of human rights defenders and the murder of Natalia Estemirova is a pressing reminder to all of us that lives and physical security of human rights defenders are still in danger in many parts of the world, including the Caucasus. This climate of impunity undermines protection and respect for human rights and freedoms of each and every individual and is unacceptable.
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon the Russian authorities to:
conduct immediate, thorough and impartial investigation on the case of murder of Natalia Estemirova and in this respect investigate the responsibility of the President of Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov
conduct thorough and impartial investigations in murders of Anna Politkovskaya, Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova and bring those responsible to justice.
abide by human rights obligations enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian and international human rights instruments which Russia has committed to uphold
ensure safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in the country as stated in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders calls upon international actors to:
condemn the murder of Natalia Estemirova and urge Russian authorities to conduct the immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of the case
call upon Russian authorities to ensure safety and security of human rights defenders in the Russian Federation.
Signed by the members of the Network:
Azerbaijan
Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety
Human Rights Center
International Student Cooperation,
Public Association for Assistance for Free Economy
Association for the Protection of Women’s Rights in Azerbaijan after D. Aliyeva
Democracy and HR Resource Centre Public Union (Sungait),
Legal Education Society,
Society for Humanitarian Research
Institute for Peace and Democracy
Media Rights Institute
Election Monitoring and Education Center
Georgia
Human Rights Center (HRIDC)
Center for the protection the constitutional rights
Anti-violence Network of Georgia (AVNG)
Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights
Article 42 of the Constitutions
Multinational Georgia
Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims
Studio Reporter
Caucasian Center for Conflict and Human Rights
Inclusive
Armenia
Armenian Helsinki Association
Helsinki Assembly, Vanadzor
Socioscope
Democracy Today
Armenian Helsinki Assembly, Yerevan
Jurists against Torture
Women´s Resource Center Armenia
Vernatun- Political Prisoners' Wives
Asparez, Journalist Club, Gyumri region
Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK)
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Group of Armenian bloggers fighting a scapegoat re Karabakh
A statement was published by a group of Armenian bloggers. They demand a resignation of Armenian Foreign Minister Nalbandyan following a disclosure of the main principles (nothing new really) of Karabakh settlement currently on table.
Do they actually think that it’s a Minister of Foreign Affairs who formulate and lead Armenian foreign policy? Of course, they do not. No need to re-state that Armenian foreign policy is being directed by a president. FM Nalbandyan is simply an employee who is conducting work based on instructions and approvals by his boss. It’s just plain easy and does not require courage to target consequences but not the roots. It’s much more convenient to find a scapegoat and fight him.
In order to formulate my opinion re Serj Sargsyan’s Karabakh policy, I need more details about how exactly this plan will be implemented. My approval or disapproval of the plan will depend on two fundamental principles which I believe should be fixed unambiguous in any Karabakh related peace deal:
- Security guarantees for Karabakh and Armenia;
- Karabakh independence
I will leave to our military and security experts to judge whether - under any peace deal - such guarantees are included and ensured. As to the status of Karabakh (independence), I can judge it myself. However, I will need details on how exactly the disclosed principles will be implemented to understand whether they may result in Karabakh independence or not. I have my big doubts about it.
I also disagree with the opposition Armenian National Congress statement and stance re Karabakh. While they were right stating at the beginning that to formulate a final opinion more details are needed, their subsequent outright rejection of it and talks of treachery etc are not productive. In fact, Serj Sargsyan’s policy regarding Karabakh (and Turkey) is effectively a continuation of Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s policy. Will the opposition pursue anything substantially different if they come to power? I do not think so.
Do they actually think that it’s a Minister of Foreign Affairs who formulate and lead Armenian foreign policy? Of course, they do not. No need to re-state that Armenian foreign policy is being directed by a president. FM Nalbandyan is simply an employee who is conducting work based on instructions and approvals by his boss. It’s just plain easy and does not require courage to target consequences but not the roots. It’s much more convenient to find a scapegoat and fight him.
In order to formulate my opinion re Serj Sargsyan’s Karabakh policy, I need more details about how exactly this plan will be implemented. My approval or disapproval of the plan will depend on two fundamental principles which I believe should be fixed unambiguous in any Karabakh related peace deal:
- Security guarantees for Karabakh and Armenia;
- Karabakh independence
I will leave to our military and security experts to judge whether - under any peace deal - such guarantees are included and ensured. As to the status of Karabakh (independence), I can judge it myself. However, I will need details on how exactly the disclosed principles will be implemented to understand whether they may result in Karabakh independence or not. I have my big doubts about it.
I also disagree with the opposition Armenian National Congress statement and stance re Karabakh. While they were right stating at the beginning that to formulate a final opinion more details are needed, their subsequent outright rejection of it and talks of treachery etc are not productive. In fact, Serj Sargsyan’s policy regarding Karabakh (and Turkey) is effectively a continuation of Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s policy. Will the opposition pursue anything substantially different if they come to power? I do not think so.
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Armenia, Azerbaijan: youth activists, bloggers under attack. Where are the Voices?
No one, absolutely no one can convince me that this guy - Tigran Arakelyan from pro-opposition HIMA youth movement, is able to chase and attack policemen. (my earlier post on the topic - here) Well, unless you present me with the video evidence, which should probably be made by a master in sci-fi cinema. You just have to look at this picture (via Nazarian) to understand what I am talking about.Neither of South Caucasus countries are democratic. Azerbaijan is the most authoritarian and the least democratic among the three countries. However, when time comes to human rights abuses, differences in approaches become non-distinguishable, similarities in tactics and methods employed by the authorities become striking, as the case of now detained Azeri youth activists and bloggers Emin and Adnan proves.
Armenian authorities had a perfect opportunity, via the recently declared amnesty, to ease the internal tensions and put the country back on track into a civilised dialogue with the opposition and reforms to bring Armenia closer to Europe. They failed to do so spectacularly, as instead of applying the amnesty to all political prisoners, they did so selectively, and we still have number of them in prison (you may add now Tigran Arakelyan to the list too).
So where are the Voices, I wonder? Where are the voices inside the country who should protest, in this case, the latest incident of attacks on youth activists and detention of not the attackers but the one who got attacked? It’s these separate incidents which repeated eventually lead to 1 March-type events. Where are those so called independent youth groups who should protest the case? This should have nothing to do with the political views one hold. This is simply a matter of infringement of very basic human rights, which no one is spared of. Where is the so called ‘civil society’? Where is their voice? Are they waiting for a special grant to do so?
Luckily, there are blogs, there is Twitter, and there is Facebook, where free-minded individuals from all South Caucasus countries and Diaspora voice their protest, spread the news, and get organised.
Free Tigran Arakelyan and other political prisoners
Free Adnan and Emin
Luara Hayrapetyan to represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision 2009
Luara Hayrapetyan will represent Armenia at this year's Junior Eurovision song contest to be held in Kiev on 21 November. Her song "Barcelona" is effectively a tribute to Barcelona's most famous football team Barca, which according to Luara, her family is fan of. I wonder if people's football preferences won't affect the votes. Good luck to Luara!!
There is another singer of Armenian origin at this year's contest. It's Andranik Aleksanyan who will represent host country Ukraine.
Oikotimes provides details about Luara:
11 years old Luara Hayrapetyan, performing usually under stage name Lara, will represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song "Barcelona".
Luara is studying in gymnasium N3 in city of Astrakhan, Russia. Since the age of 4, Luara has been studying vocal and attending ballroom dancing classes, at the age of seven entered a musical school, studies in children pop music studio "Vesnushki" of Astrakhangazprom center of culture "Victoria", where she is lead soloist. Since she was five, she has been a participant of various contests and festivals representing Russia and Armenia: In 2004 - I Prize Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Tuapse, All-Russia Children Centre 'Orlenok'); In 2005 - I Prize Winner of the International Festival 'Childhood Without Borders' (Moscow, Russia); In 2006 - Grand Prix Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Tuapse, Russia);
I Prize Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Volgograd, Russia); In 2007, Grand Prix Winner of the All-Russia Contest ' Constellations of Volga ' (Samara, Russia); the I Prize Winner of the VI All-Russia Contest ' XXI Century Voices' (Anapa, Russia);In 2008, Grand Prix Winner of Junior section of prestigeous Slavyanski Bazar in Vitebsk and winner of special prize "Lira" (Belarus); In 2009 qualified for the international final of "New Wave Junior" contest (Moscow, Russia).
Since 2005, she has been the grant holder of the Astrakhan Region Government for the achievements in the field of art and creative activity.
There is another singer of Armenian origin at this year's contest. It's Andranik Aleksanyan who will represent host country Ukraine.
Oikotimes provides details about Luara:
11 years old Luara Hayrapetyan, performing usually under stage name Lara, will represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song "Barcelona".
Luara is studying in gymnasium N3 in city of Astrakhan, Russia. Since the age of 4, Luara has been studying vocal and attending ballroom dancing classes, at the age of seven entered a musical school, studies in children pop music studio "Vesnushki" of Astrakhangazprom center of culture "Victoria", where she is lead soloist. Since she was five, she has been a participant of various contests and festivals representing Russia and Armenia: In 2004 - I Prize Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Tuapse, All-Russia Children Centre 'Orlenok'); In 2005 - I Prize Winner of the International Festival 'Childhood Without Borders' (Moscow, Russia); In 2006 - Grand Prix Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Tuapse, Russia);
I Prize Winner of the International Contest 'Small Asterisks' (Volgograd, Russia); In 2007, Grand Prix Winner of the All-Russia Contest ' Constellations of Volga ' (Samara, Russia); the I Prize Winner of the VI All-Russia Contest ' XXI Century Voices' (Anapa, Russia);In 2008, Grand Prix Winner of Junior section of prestigeous Slavyanski Bazar in Vitebsk and winner of special prize "Lira" (Belarus); In 2009 qualified for the international final of "New Wave Junior" contest (Moscow, Russia).
Since 2005, she has been the grant holder of the Astrakhan Region Government for the achievements in the field of art and creative activity.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Monday, 6 July 2009
Let's help Kim Kardashian in her efforts to learn Armenian
If you are on Twitter, here is your opportunity to help Kim Kardashian in her efforts to learn Armenian. And if you are not on Twitter, get on board :) Below is her latest tweet:
where r all my Armenian's at? I need 2 start learning the language! Help teach me!!! A word every Sunday
20 minutes ago from mobile web
where r all my Armenian's at? I need 2 start learning the language! Help teach me!!! A word every Sunday
20 minutes ago from mobile web
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Kum Kapi, Istanbul
I found this interesting info re Kum Kapi (or Kumkapi) via the Facebook events page on masterclasses by the artist photographer Georgios Katsengelos and the curator Maria Tsantsanoglou at Utopiana in Yerevan:"Kum Kapi is one of the historical districts of Istanbul in the centre of the southern part of the city walls and traditionally it used to be the living area of the local Armenians and still houses the Armenian Patriarchate.
This area is now crowded with refugees, most of them coming from the countries of the ex Soviet Union. They are divided into national communities and their common language is Russian.
The old Armenian houses and small apartments of Kum Kapi, designed for one or at least two families, are today transformed into warehouses of people renting beds while looking desperately for job opportunities."
*photo - via Facebook events page by Utopiana
"Everyone is equal": Discrimination is prohibited under Armenian Constitution
To mark Constitution Day, I'd like to re-post this article from the Armenian Constitution which prohibits discrimination on any ground. Now if only words turn into practice...
Constitution of RA
Article 14.1 Everyone shall be equal before the law.
Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or other personal or social circumstances shall be prohibited.
ՀՀ սահմանադրությունը
Հոդված 14.1. Բոլոր մարդիկ հավասար են օրենքի առջեւ:
Խտրականությունը, կախված սեռից, ռասայից, մաշկի գույնից, էթնիկական կամ սոցիալական ծագումից, գենետիկական հատկանիշներից, լեզվից, կրոնից, աշխարհայացքից, քաղաքական կամ այլ հայացքներից, ազգային փոքրամասնությանը պատկանելությունից, գույքային վիճակից, ծնունդից, հաշմանդամությունից, տարիքից կամ անձնական կամ սոցիալական բնույթի այլ հանգամանքներից, արգելվում է:
Constitution of RA
Article 14.1 Everyone shall be equal before the law.
Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or other personal or social circumstances shall be prohibited.
ՀՀ սահմանադրությունը
Հոդված 14.1. Բոլոր մարդիկ հավասար են օրենքի առջեւ:
Խտրականությունը, կախված սեռից, ռասայից, մաշկի գույնից, էթնիկական կամ սոցիալական ծագումից, գենետիկական հատկանիշներից, լեզվից, կրոնից, աշխարհայացքից, քաղաքական կամ այլ հայացքներից, ազգային փոքրամասնությանը պատկանելությունից, գույքային վիճակից, ծնունդից, հաշմանդամությունից, տարիքից կամ անձնական կամ սոցիալական բնույթի այլ հանգամանքներից, արգելվում է:
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Armenia opposition youth attacked in downtown Yerevan
Tonight opposition youth distributing leaflets about tomorrow's rally was attacked in downtown Yerevan by unknown group of people, some reportedly wearing gun. Reports indicate that at least three youth activists were injured. Reports allege that the attackers were National Security employees disguised as civilians. In its late night statement, opposition Armenian National Congress informs about the incident indicating at "unknown attackers".
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