OSCE Office calls on Armenian authorities to thoroughly investigate recent cases of violence

YEREVAN, 29 April 2004 - The OSCE Office in Yerevan is deeply concerned about the increasing number of violent incidents, an alarming lack of progress in bringing to justice the perpetrators and the atmosphere of intolerance in the Armenian society.

"There is a need for an urgent, efficient and fair investigation of these cases, resulting in the prosecution of the perpetrators in accordance with the law," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office, in a letter sent to Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian.

In this respect, Ambassador Pryakhin referred to the recent attack on the Member of Parliament Victor Dallakian on 23 March, the beating of human rights defender and Chairman of the Helsinki Association, Mickael Danielyan, on 30 March, as well as of the well-known politician, Ashot Manucharyan on 22 April.

Ambassador Pryakhin expressed his regret that the investigation of these incidents and of the attacks against journalists during the demonstrations on 5 and 13 April had not progressed and no offender had yet been held accountable.

At the same time, the Office is also concerned and follows closely the investigation of the cases of violence, intimidation and detentions following the recent demonstrations in Armenia.