ECHR rules in favor of former opposition figure; Armenia to pay 9,000 euros in damages

The European Court of Human Rights today recognized the violation by the Republic of Armenia of the right of former Armenian Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanyan to freedom of assembly and association. Arzumanyan’s attorneys filed a lawsuit with the ECHR in 2009, demanding that the court recognize the violated rights of Arzumanyan, convicted in the “Case of 7” in connection with the March 1, 2008 events.

“The European Court, even after many years, recognized the right enshrined in Article 11 of the Convention. In particular, the court stated that everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association with others. As compensation, Armenia has pledged to pay 9,000 euros to Alexander Arzumanyan, “Arzumanyan’s attorney Liparit Simonyan told Factor.am.

Arzumanyan’s appeal was submitted to the Court of Cassation on August 27 last year, demanding acquittal. However, no decision has been made in this regard yet.

Former Foreign Minister Arzumanyan was sentenced to five years in prison in June 2009 under Article 225, Part 1 of the Criminal Code – “organizing mass riots”, but was released in court along with three other opposition figures based on the decision of the National Assembly on amnesty. Arzumanyan returned to the diplomatic service in 2017. Presently, he is Armenia’s ambassador to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland.