Armenian NGOs condemn

STATEMENT

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, express our deep concern with the pre-election period, the election campaign and the post-election processes in the country. The assessment of international observers, even though portrayed in a positive light by the government and the government controlled media, was critical. However, the apparent discrepancy between the actual findings of the assessment with the formative first two sentences of the report resulted in the government only referring to this paragraph in the international observers’ assessment in order to legitimize the results of the election. Meanwhile, in the report, international observers pointed out to media censorship, intimidation of voters, vote buying, etc. and called vote count ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ in 16 percent of polling stations visited. Qualifying such practices as a “step forward” and in line with the commitments to hold free and fair elections discredits the notion of democracy and further lowers the standards of democratic reforms.

A number of undersigned organizations observed the elections during the voting day as well as the process prior and post February 19. The instances of violations are numerous and are documented in our reports.

We are particularly concerned with the Freedom of Media/Access to Media, Violence, Corruption and Use of Administrative Resources, Arrests of Public Figures.

One of the main points that the OSCE/ODHIR observation mission made in its interim report concerned the need to establish public trust in the electoral process. Deep rooted mistrust and often-referred-to public apathy is nothing else but self-preservation reaction of the Armenian people vs. the atmosphere of impunity for those who perpetrated electoral fraud in all past elections. The processes taking place after the elections are alarming and will definitely deepen the public distrust.

We believe that as long as electoral fraud goes uninvestigated and unpunished, there will be no trust in the process and in the legal and judicial system.

We believe that only through open and widely inclusive public discussion over the above stated problems and violations it is possible to foster the atmosphere of trust and public confidence.

In view of the above, we state that this election was not held in correspondence with our understanding of democratic values and practices.

We believe that the way the authorities handle the fraud will be indicative of the honest determination to abide by the rules of democratic free and fair elections.

We call upon the international community to see through the commitment of the Armenian government to comply with the procedure and to require documentation of proper investigation and due punishment of those who violated the law.

We call upon the Armenian government to stop politically motivated detentions. These are not calls for impunity, but a call for the government to set the example for the Armenian people and to act within the law.

We call upon the international community to make objective conclusions based on their own findings and not to discredit the notion of democracy, democratic standards and principles, as well as the international organizations carrying out an observation mission.

Signatories

Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
Helsinki Committee of Armenia
Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Branch
“Asparez” Journalists’ Club
“Internews-Armenia” Media Support NGO
Media Diversity Institute
Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia
Transparency International Anti-corruption Center
Yerevan Press Club

*source

20 years on… Massacre of Armenians in Sumgait, Azerbaijan - February 1988

http://sumgait.info/sumgait/sumgait-1988.htm

*photo via Ditord

Should we support anyone who joins popular movement?

The answer is big NO. Like in case of other major popular movements, there are not infrequent cases when leader seeks support from people with questionable reputation, to say the least, or when crowd cheers anyone who joins the movement.

I have to agree with Aravot daily’s editor Aram Abrahamyan in this instance:

“Aravot” takes a critical look at some of Levon Ter-Petrosian’s allies, notably the former chief military prosecutor Gagik Jahangirian. “Now that that the former military prosecutor Gagik Jahangirian has joined the opposition they are urging us to forget the fact that his investigators tortured soldiers, that he is the one who botched the investigation into the October 27 case [of the parliament shootings.] We are told to keep silent about that because Mr. Jahangirian is now participating in the break-up of the ‘kleptocratic pyramid.’ But wasn’t he an integral part and loyal servant of that pyramid for ten years?”

The same applies to general Manvel, for instance, as Aravot editor rightly points out too. When I wrote about his alleged support for popular movement, it’s not his persona or his high-rank military position I was happy about but the fact that they reportedly stated that the army will be kept away "from interfering with politics and being used against people".

As to currently arrested former military prosecutor Jahangiryan, as MP from opposition Heritage party Zara Postanjyan says, no one forgets that his name is associated with cases of human rights abuses, especially in military (which MP investigated). However, right now he has been arrested not for that allegation, but purely for political reasons, for his support to first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and opposition movement. Therefore, in this case I will support him and will demand his release.

I have to say big NO to detentions of people for political motives, which effectively makes them political prisoners, regardless of their questionable reputation.

"First they came..."

Thanks to mk.am who reminded me this famous poem attributed to Martin Niemoeller. There are various versions of the poem, one of which is inscribed on a stone in New England Holocaust Memorial (photo below via Wikipedia). Essentially, they are very similar and very current.

They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Armenia capital shaken by pro-democracy rally over fraudulent presidential elections and amid mass arrests

Never before (in a decade or so) Yerevan saw such a big rally and such a huge protest against falsified elections, in support of their right to vote and the chance for democracy in Armenia. Arminfo puts number at 70 000, many say about 100 000 or even more. Ongoing arrests and detentions of a number of opposition supporters did not manage to intimidate people. Quite the contrary. The fact that prime minister Serj Sargsyan & co tried to organise ‘alternative’ ‘victory’ rally in Republic sq by ordering and forcing people (local administration, civil servants, schools etc) from all over the regions to gather in Yerevan achieved quite the opposite result.

Many people from regions were at last had a chance to come to Yerevan, as main roads were blocked and checked for days to limit their numbers for opposition rallies led by former president and presidential hopeful Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Therefore, many came from regions as if for prime minister rally, but then switched to opposition rally which was closer to their hearts.

Whether current ruling regime will eventually manage to break down these protests, remains to be seen. They can only do it by imposing Stalinist methods (they already started - arrests, Bolshevik style propaganda…).

The fact that they lost already is out of question.

People’s President, or dancing revolution in Armenia

I never thought I would see him like this again. He was people’s leader back in late 80s. We considered him one of us. Then things changed, and the most frequent image of him left in my memory was one of arrogance. And I criticised him for that. But looking at this unique video of Levon dancing in Yerevan’s Liberty sq (captured this night by A1+), whether you consider it PR (good one!) or not, it feels right again. It feels right to see him spending night in tents with other ordinary people, his supporters. It feels right to see him dancing. It feels right to see his human side again, which was so deeply hidden for years.



…and here is Lyudmila, his wife, dancing.



If this movement for democracy in Armenia succeeds, it won’t be remembered as coloured one (like in Ukraine - orange), it will be unique Armenian one – dancing revolution...

Senior Armenia diplomats resign in support of Ter-Petrosyan

Four senior Armenian diplomats - the Armenian ambassador to Italy, Spain and Portugal Ruben Shugaryan, the Armenian ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Levon Khachatryan, the envoy of Armenia to Ukraine and Moldova Razmik Khumaryan and the deputy foreign minister Armen Baiburdyan have resigned in protest of the conduct of presidential election and in support of opposition movement led by the first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan. This information has just been confirmed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ruben Shugaryan was Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan's press-secretary in 1992-1993, before (1991-1992) he was Ter-Petrosyan's aide.

Regardless of conflicting news of support by some high-rank officials in government, judiciary, military etc (some of them confirmed, others - not), it is clear that Levon Ter-Petrosyan has loyal group of supporters in governmental structures, who even after 10 years of him not being in power, retained their loyalty. However, it is not just a personal issue. The disappointment in current givernment is so high and voting irregularities and violence was so blatant during presidential election in Armenia, that even people who do not particularly support Ter-Petrosyan joined the protest movement which is evolving to become a movement for democracy.

It is also very indicative that even though a coalition of pro-government MPs will soon issue a statement of support to prime-minister Serj Sargsyan, they will specifically state (after amendements proposed by an MP from governing Republican Party) that they call Armenian police to protect safety of peaceful protesters.

However, the situation in Yerevan is changing very quickly. This morning clashes seemed inevitable. Then, later during the day, things changed and under the pressure of influences from various sides, it was agreed to refrain from using physical force, for now at least. But things may be different in an hour, tomorrow, or next week.

It is obvious that incumbent president Kocharyan's return to Yerevan (after his Moscow visit) and his meeting with security, military and police chiefs brought more weight to prime-minister side, and today Ter-Petrosyan position does not look as strong as it was yesterday. Also, position of international community is a serious blow not only to Ter-Petrosyan but also to everyone who cares about democracy in Armenia. But tens of thousands keep gathering in Liberty sq with the same spirit and determination, and hopefully it is too soon to say "The End".

Carte blanche to Armenian authorities?

I feel very weird today. I have this feeling that the authorities will violently break down people’s protests, very soon. They will ‘create’ provocations whether from inside or outside the opposition movement, and then will come to ‘restore order’ or something like that.

Now that the international community in face of EU and previously hesitated US “congratulated” Armenian people for ‘elections’, they (EU/US) effectively gave carte blanche to authorities to act, suggesting that they will put blind eye on their actions. It is obvious that EU/US have so many ‘more important’ issues and disagreements with Russia, that they won’t like to be involved in Armenian affairs too, thus upsetting Russia even more. International community proved once more that they too, if it is within their interests, can be happy with “virtual reality” (just like our Public TV). They do not give a s**t about democracy, human rights…

If we witness bloodshed or violence in Armenia, there will be blood on EU’s and US’s hands too.

Public TV of Armenia - "virtual reallity"

It’s fourth day of mass protests in Armenia’s capital Yerevan against massive violations of people’s right to vote during presidential elections. You would have thought that Public TV of Armenia would cover these events. But the ‘reality’ Public TV wants to present to its audiences is “virtual reality”, as someone sharply noted.

When protests were held in Tbilisi, they were showing live reports from there, with detailed info on what’s going on. When things are happening in Armenia? - absolutely nothing! It’s getting pretty ridiculous when Public TV - sustained by tax payers money - either provide extremely biased information or no information at all. Take for example yesterday. In their main news programme “Haylur” they did not show report from mass demonstrations of tens of thousands of people in the centre of Yerevan. Instead, for few second, they mentioned that the rally was taking place and then for 5 minutes presented a report about a group of people who allegedly trying to come to Yerevan to ‘defend their votes for prime minister’ but 'stopped by police to avoid clashes'.

It is a total disgrace towards profession of journalists. If there are honest journalists remained in Public TV’s information unit, they have two choices – either by defying orders show real reality in Armenia or resign.

If democratic movement in Armenia succeeds, one of the first priorities should be to guarantee media freedom and to ensure that Armenians have Public TV not only by name but by essence.

Raffi Hovhannisyan joins Ter-Petrosyan rally

In a significant moral boost for protesters in Liberty sq, a much respected politician, leader of opposition Heritage party, former foreign minister Raffi Hovhannisyan joined today Levon Ter-Petrosyan rally.

A1+ reports that Raffi raised Levon's arm and the rally burst into shouts: "Raffi", "Unity"...

*source photo: Photolure, via A1+

Students under target

Many students in Yerevan decided to follow yesterday’s rally appeal to boycott classes and join the rally in Liberty sq. However, according to Radio Liberty afternoon broadcast, since early morning there is a visible police presence in/around main university campuses in Yerevan. According to radio reports, in many university campuses police does not allow students to leave the building, even during breaks. Several students were taken to police station, but will probably be released on administrative charges. There was a report of at least one incident of police dispersing students’ march to Liberty sq, without physical means. Despite all these obstacles, hundreds of students joined the rally in Liberty sq today.

Armenia: Violence at Polling Stations Mars Elections

Assailants Target Opposition Activists, Observers and Journalists

A statement by Human Rights Watch

The Armenian government should investigate alleged assaults on election observers and journalists that marred the presidential election on February 19, 2008, Human Rights Watch said today. According to victim testimonies taken by Human Rights Watch, assailants beat and threatened opposition party activists, domestic observers, and journalists who attempted to document election fraud at polling stations during the presidential vote. "These election-day attacks targeted the very people trying to ensure the integrity of Armenia's vote," said Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The Armenian government should carry out independent and speedy investigations to ensure justice is served and to send the message that intimidation won't be tolerated."

On February 20, the Central Election Commission declared Prime Minister Serzh Sargsian the winner of the elections with 52.8 percent of the vote. Sargsian had the backing of current president Robert Kocharian. Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosian was the main opposition challenger and won 21.5 percent, according to official tallies.

In nine cases documented by Human Rights Watch, assailants intimidated, threatened, and even violently attacked opposition party activists, domestic observers and journalists at eight polling stations in and around the capital, Yerevan. Victims variously described their assailants as "big guys," "athletic," "tough," and apparently supporters of Sargsian. Most victims had been attempting to expose what they believed to be violations of electoral rules, such as incorrect voters' lists, intimidation of voters, violations of the right to a secret ballot, and ballot-box stuffing. None of the victims was able or willing to return to the polling station to continue observing the voting.

In several incidents, the assaults took place in the presence of police and polling station officials who did not intervene, and in one case a police officer appeared to assist the assailants. Some victims reported the attacks to police, who are investigating.

Human Rights Watch called on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to look into election-related violence and ensure that its final report on the vote records these incidents.

In one case documented by Human Rights Watch, assailants grabbed a Ter-Petrosian proxy (a candidate's authorized representative) at a polling station in Yerevan, forced her into a car and drove her to a remote area. There, they beat her in the head and face, threatened to rape her and attack her family, and abandoned her. She eventually made her way to a police station where she filed a complaint. She is still suffering from headaches and other medical repercussions of the attack.

At least three journalists were attacked. Lusine Barsegian of the newspaper Haikakan Zhamankak was beaten, and had her camera and voice recorder stolen, when she attempted to document what she believed to be intimidation of voters at a polling station in Yerevan's Erebuni district. A cameraman from the independent A1+ television station was beaten and had his camera taken at the same polling station. Two domestic election observers, Armen Matirosian, a member of parliament from the opposition Heritage party, and Zarui Postandjian, an observer from a nongovernmental organization, were also attacked at this polling station after they tried to raise alleged election violations with polling station officials.

The OSCE election monitors stated that the elections were held "mostly in line" with international commitments.

Tens of thousands of Ter-Petrosian supporters took to the streets in downtown Yerevan on February 20 and 21 to protest the outcome of the elections and what they believe to be widespread electoral fraud.

"The Armenian authorities should ensure that no harm is done to peaceful demonstrators," said Cartner. "Armenia claims to be a democratic country, and that means allowing people to exercise their right to freedom of assembly."

Armenia has a history of flawed elections and harassment of opposition parties. In March 2003, Human Rights Watch documented widespread ballot stuffing and intimidation during Armenia's presidential election runoff. Human Rights Watch documented mass arrests of opposition supporters, violent dispersals of demonstrations, and raids on opposition party headquarters in April 2004. The protests derived from the government's failure to address the many violations of electoral rules documented in the 2003 presidential election. Details of Assaults

*see also Reporters Without Borders statement: Journalists physically attacked during presidential election in Armenia

Defenders of democracy in Armenia

I thought I would never see it again. It’s like 20 years ago, the same atmosphere in Yerevan. Despite all differences, in this crucial time for the future of Armenian democracy people seem united, they refuse to be intimidated by authorities. They share food, tea, they dance, they spend night in Liberty sq, they feel togetherness, exactly like it was 20 years ago.

I am proud of you, guys. I am proud of my parents. I am proud of my dad who after hearing in the morning that police announced “rally is not sanctioned by authorities” and “there may be unforeseen consequences”, instead of being intimidated, immediately went out of the flat and joined the crowd. Like thousands of you. You did not get intimidated, instead – you danced, tens of thousands of you. I am writing these words, and feel very emotional now. I feel proud of being associated with you.

You are great, people!


P.S. And it is so encouraging to see so many young people around. (photo via Hetq)

The Winners - Liberty sq, Yerevan, Armenia

I am with you, guys!







*video via A1+

Journalists physically attacked during presidential election in Armenia

Reporters Without Borders called today for the punishment of those responsible for attacking or obstructing three journalists as they were covering the presidential election campaign in Yerevan on 19 February. “The authorities must take these incidents seriously,” it said. “The journalists were simply doing their job.”

When journalist Lusine Barsegian, of the opposition paper Haykakan Zhamanak, took photos of ballot-box stuffing and non-secret voting at a polling station, she was beaten by two men who seized her camera and dictaphone after she refused to leave. Witnesses, including a police official, failed to intervene and she was hospitalised. A legal inquiry has been opened.

Samvel Avagyan, who works for the daily [opposition] paper Hayk, had his dictaphone snatched from him when he tried to question people in a bus taking them to polling stations after being given ballot papers by police near a market.

Cameraman Ovsep Ovsepian, of the TV station A1+, was attacked as he got out of his car by thugs who seized his recordings and tried to smash his camera. He was insulted by one of the attackers who spotted a leaflet of opposition candidate Levon Ter-Petrossian in the car.

*see also Human Rights Watch statement - Armenia: Violence at Polling Stations Mars Elections

Armenia: 'Karabakh movement'-2?

I really hope that this news means that the army will be kept away "from interfering with politics and being used against people"

Breaking news

DEPUTY MINISTERS OF DEFENSE JOIN POPULAR MOVEMENT

*UPDATE: According to IA Regnum, Armenian defense minister’s press secretary Seyran Shahsuvaryan denied Ter-Petrosyan announcement about support by two deputy defense ministers (as per below) to his opposition movement. I will follow the events and will update the info as soon as possible.

*UPDATE (2): EurasiaNet - One close associate of Grigorian who said that he had attended the discussions between the general and Ter-Petrosian, affirmed the information, however. "If the people are with Levon, he is with the people," the associate, who asked not to be named, said in reference to Grigorian. "The general has always taken the side of the people." The source has told EurasiaNet that the two generals plan to address the opposition rally on February 22. If it occurs, such a move could arguably bring considerable dividends to the Ter-Petrosian campaign and encourage other groups to sign on board.

*UPDATE (3): EurasiaNet - Yet, despite the generals’ no-show [during the rally], the deputy chairman of a Nagorno Karabakh war veterans group headed by General Grigorian, [Malkhasian] maintains that the statements about the general’s support for the ex-president stand.In an interview with RFE/RL, Malkhasian also did not deny Ter-Petrosian’s assertion that the two generals are “negotiating” with the chief of army staff, Colonel-General Seyran Ohanian, to keep the military in the barracks. “Everyone is interested in a fair solution to this issue in order to avoid unnecessary clashes,” he said. “This is what all Armenian officers and generals want.”

Lragir and A1+: During the rally underway at the Square of Freedom [Liberty sq] about an hour ago Levon Ter-Petrosyan stated that yesterday he met with the deputy minister of defense, Lieutenant-General Manvel Grigoryan. Levon Ter-Petrosyan said at the time of his address, deputy defense ministers Manvel Grigoryan and Gagik Melkonyan are negotiating with the chief of the general staff of the armed force Seyran Ohanyan. The issue of the negotiation is that Manvel Grigoryan and Gagik Melkonyan state that as deputy ministers of defense they will stand beside of people.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan is convinced that the other commanders of the army will be on the side of people. He said that Manvel Grigoryan and Gagik Melkonyan stated they will prevent the army from interfering with politics and being used against people, and Manvel Grigoryan and Gagik Melkonyan are guarantors of the security of the Armenian people.

Today for the first time the deputy leader of the Yerkrapah Union of Compatriots Miasnik Malkhasyan stated that the Yerkrapah Union of Compatriots is standing beside people.

...earlier

APPEAL TO STUDENTS FOR SIT-DOWN STRIKE

Lragir: During the rally now underway at the Square of Freedom the leader of the Conservative Party of Armenia Michael Hairapetyan urged the students to go on a sitting strike. Then Levon Ter-Petrosyan addressed the rally and also urged the students to go on a sit-down strike and join the rally at 3 pm [tomorrow].

*source of photo: IA Regnum

Evidence of ballot stuffing during presidential election in Armenia recorded by mobile phone

Thanks to The Armenian Observer Blog, in case anyone had any doubts, below is the evidence of ballot stuffing during so called presidential election in Armenia.

As Observer pointed out, “We can see how a man is stuffing the ballot box, while the electoral commission members watch him without attempting to interfere or stop the illegal activity.”

It's a criminal act and a total disgrace!

U.S. expresses concern over Armenia's presidential vote count

In what could be considered a significant change of tone from that of OSCE observers' press conference, US sends a signal of serious discontent with the conduct of Armenian presidential elections. Ironically, as a basis of their "concerns", they pointed out evidence from OSCE initial report. It's becoming kind of a 'norm' for OSCE monitoring missions: they detail serious irregularities within the report, but as a headline statement deliver somewhat 'positive message' of "mostly in line with international standards". However, it must be noted that even OSCE stopped short of calling Armenian elections "free and fair."

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) - The United States expressed concern on Wednesday over alleged report of problems in the vote count in Armenia's presidential election.

A report by election observers led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) called the election "mostly in line with international standards," according to State Department official Edgar Vazquez.

However, "We are concerned by some elements of the report, including a description of the vote-count as 'bad' or 'very bad' in 15 percent of the polling stations observed by the OSCE-led overseers," Vazquez said.

Vazquez also called on all parties in the country to remain peaceful and refrain from violence.

Vazquez made the comments after the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia announced Wednesday that Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan won the presidential election by securing 52.86 percent of ballots in preliminary results from all 1923 polling stations.

Picture of the Day (2)

*Despite closed transportation routes, thousands turned out to vent their anger over yesterday’s vote.

(source of photo: Inna Mkhitaryan/ArmeniaNow)

Yerevan in 'transport blockade'

Reports from Yerevan indicate that authorities paralised and shut down all main transport means (buses, mini-buses, metro etc) to prevent - as much as they can - people from attending a rally organised by campaign team of Levon Ter-Petrosyan who refused to accept the results of what some call 'election' in Armenia.

Also, at least in one kindergarten, according to my relative - there are unconfirmed reports from others too - they refused to take children today, which many speculate is not because of safety concerns due to possible unrest but rather to prevent more people from attending opposition protests in Yerevan.