International observers cite democratic backsliding in Armenia

Members of the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia have raised concerns about what they describe as political repression and democratic backsliding in the country. Speaking at a press conference, Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, and other IODA board members cited arrests of opposition figures and former officials following June parliamentary elections as evidence of a broader pattern rather than isolated incidents.

The observers specifically noted that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced arrests publicly before investigations commenced, raising questions about judicial independence. They highlighted the case of opposition figure Avetik Chalabyan, who was detained after elections on bribery allegations and later released without charges. Similar concerns were raised regarding the detention of former President Robert Kocharyan and his son. IODA called for stronger responses from the European Union and Western governments, particularly given Armenia's stated intention to pursue EU membership.