ArmInfo.Armenia faces ongoing challenges regarding the use of criminal liability as a preventive measure in cases involving violations of freedom of expression, as stated by Armenian Ombudsperson Anahit Minasyan in the National Assembly, while presenting the Human Rights Defender's report.
According to her, there are numerous cases where the boundaries of freedom of speech have indeed been violated, and a significant question remains regarding the proportionality of the criminal liability applied. "It should be remembered that criminal liability for violating the boundaries of freedom of speech can only be applied in cases where there is a threat to public safety. This issue requires special attention," Manasyan noted. She also pointed out the increase in the number of complaints received by the Human Rights Defender's office regarding the activities of judicial bodies. According to Manasyan, compared to 240 complaints in 2024, the number reached 382 in 2025. "Although the Human Rights Defender's office cannot interfere in the activities of judicial bodies, given the large number of complaints, we conducted a substantive analysis. A number of issues relate to the use of detention and the rights of individuals with psychological problems," Manasyan noted.
In this regard, she emphasized the need for changes and development in judicial practice in the country. In this context, Manasyan specifically focused on the issue of using detention instead of an alternative preventive measure. "I don't want to discuss specific cases now, but I will note that the state must develop effective tools to address this problem," Manasyan stated.
According to her, this issue has not received the attention it deserves for several years. Complaints in this area, as the Ombudsperson noted, are also related to delays in criminal proceedings and issues regarding to the objectivity of investigations.
Recall that back in 2025, lawyer Aram Vardevanyan warned that in Armenia, decisions to impose pretrial detention has been truly unprecedented in recent years.
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