The UN expert group responded to the application of the defense side in the case of the participants of the “Holy Struggle” movement, expressing concern about the actions of Armenian law enforcement agencies against more than a hundred citizens.

Lawyer: Tatevik Soghoyan informed about the results of the eight-month work aimed at international structures. According to him, the UN structure expanded the scope of the study, considering not only the case of 18 people accused of terrorism, but also data on at least 109 citizens affected by the actions of the state apparatus during the protests, including the events of June 12.

In the official communication of the UN, it is mentioned that the measures taken by the authorities are worrisome and do not correspond to the international obligations undertaken by Armenia in the field of human rights. The defense side describes this reaction as unprecedented in the history of Armenian justice and strongly criticizes the official position of the state presented to the international organization.

In response to the questions raised, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Armenia at the UN office in Geneva presented a comprehensive 31-page report. The document reaffirms the commitment of the state to ensure the transparency of criminal proceedings and their strict compliance with the rule of law and constitutional rights. Official Yerevan noted that some of the questions are based on unproven claims, on which legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Armenian side specially emphasized that the criminal prosecutions have nothing to do with the political, ideological and religious views of the accused or their participation in peaceful gatherings. they are based exclusively on the evidence of the preparation of violent crimes against the constitutional order. Nevertheless, the defense strongly criticizes this official position of the state, considering it very worrying.

The “Holy Struggle” or “Tavush for the Motherland” movement arose in the spring of 2024, against the background of the process of demarcation of the state border with Azerbaijan. The protests led by Bagrat Archbishop Galstanyan moved from the regions to Yerevan, demanding the government’s resignation. The peak of the movement was on June 12, 2024, when clashes took place between protesters and the police near the National Assembly building.

Law enforcement officers used special measures, including sound grenades. As a result, dozens of people received physical injuries of varying degrees, many participants were detained. Later, a number of activists were charged with inciting mass riots.

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