Arthur Sakunts concerned about Armenian ombudsman’s fate

The release of the son of former Syunik governor Suren Khachatrian and the criminal case against Colonel Budaghian are the ultimate manifestation of the Armenian authorities’ cynicism, the head of Vanadzor Office of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly, human rights activist Arthur Sakunts said at the discussion on the situation with human rights in Armenia.

“And after this, ‘patriotic’ generals of Defense Ministry keep silent, although this structure is the guarantor of the state’s defense,” Sakunts said. In his words, it is needless to speak about human rights in Armenia.

Arthur Sakunts said that such illegality snatches away people’s last hope for justice and incites them to take revenge. The human rights activist cited the example of Shant Harutyunian and the men who staged a protest with him.

Sakunts also addressed Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasian’s recent special report on the rights to a fair trial. “He put himself in a difficult position by that report,” Arthur Sakunts said, adding that it is hard to imagine Andreasian’s further fate.