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CE Secretary-General Calls on Armenian Authorities to Investigate Death Cases

Armenia Materials 3 March 2008 20:01 (UTC +04:00)
CE Secretary-General Calls on Armenian Authorities to Investigate Death Cases

The Council of Europe Secretary-General Terryhas called on the authorities to investigate all the deaths, the official statement placed at the CE website read.

Obviously, the investigations should focus on finding the perpetrators of the crimes and should not be used to harass political opponents, Davis said. I am very concerned about the latest developments in Yerevan and the declaration of the state of emergency. I am shocked to learn that at least 8 people have been killed and the allegations of excessive use of force. Both the authorities and the opposition should do everything they can to prevent any further violence, he urged.

The CE Secretary-General calls on the authorities to review the justification for the restrictions imposed - especially on the media, political parties and non-governmental organisations. These restrictions are an obstacle to political dialogue, which is the only way to find a political solution to the present situation, Davis stated.

The state of emergency suspends the application of several rights and freedom protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. Under Article 15 of the Convention the Armenian Government must inform me of the measures which it has taken as well as the reasons. I expect that they will do so without any delay, Davis reported.

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