Yerevan: In recent years, the human rights environment in Armenia has declined significantly, with authoritarian trends in the country visibly consolidated. Political crackdowns have transitioned from being episodic to systemic events. Arrests and initiation of politically motivated criminal proceedings against individuals holding opposition views have become a common practice. Peaceful demonstrations are being dispersed using police force, and participants are facing administrative and criminal prosecution, Tural Ismayilov, political scientist, told AZERTAC.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, opposition parties in Armenia are functionally paralyzed due to the imposition of administrative barriers. ‘The government’s use of political pressure has led to numerous opposition figures and activists being imprisoned or forced into exile. There are numerous facts indicating that legal procedures were grossly violated during detentions. Furthermore, the judiciary has lost its autonomy, as it is now controlled by the executive branch, severely limiting its ability to make independent decisions.’
The political scientist noted that there is a widespread public belief in Armenia that the fate of figures deemed “undesirable” by the current authorities is prejudged before any legal process. ‘A genuine competitive environment in the political processes has been effectively eradicated. Elections are now conducted according to predetermined scenario, a reality which significantly undermines the legitimacy of the governing authorities.’
‘The situation in the field of media freedom is also worrying. Journalists with critical perspectives are constantly subjected to legal, economic and psychological pressure. Several media organizations have been forced to cease their activities due to lack of funding and administrative pressure. Journalists and bloggers who take a critical position on social networks have become targets of persecution,’ the political scientist mentioned.
He further added that against the backdrop of all these processes, the position of the West, particularly the European Union, raises serious questions. ‘The silence of international institutions that prioritize democratic values regarding the political arrests and media freedom violations in Armenia is a manifestation of a blatant double standard,’ he noted.
Tural Ismayilov emphasized that the atmosphere of fear is gradually intensifying within Armenian society, adding that independent thinkers are either forced to remain silent or flee the country.
‘The independence of public institutions is merely formal, and the authorities’ absolute control over state power structures is disrupting the natural course of political processes. It is impossible to talk about sustainable development in an environment where human rights lack protection. A governance model founded on repression poses serious risks for society in the long term. The trends towards authoritarianism have now turned into an open political line in Armenia,’ Tural Ismayilov concluded.