Azernews.Az

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg has criticized Armenia`s implementation of the CE Parliamentary Assembly resolution on the post-election developments in March.
In a statement issued on the outcomes of his three-day visit to Yerevan earlier this month, Hammarberg said the country`s ruling elite should double its efforts in eliminating the shortfalls indicated in the resolution and ensure respect for human rights.
The visit aimed to examine the extent of the Armenian government`s compliance with the PACE resolution.
The mass protests that followed Armenia`s February 19 presidential election were put down with the use of force. The opposition had refused to recognize the results of the election won by Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, charging vote rigging and taking to the streets. 28 people were reported killed and hundreds were injured during the demonstrations on March 1-2.
Hammarberg said the CE was discontent with the stalling trial on the post-election violence and ongoing investigation, lack of will to arraign the real perpetrators, and the proceedings` being sealed off to the public. He demanded that innocent people arrested during the disturbances be released as soon as possible.
Hammarberg expressed disappointment that the senior police official who ordered to quell the demonstrations has not been summoned for questioning so far.
The commissioner offered to set up an ad hoc commission of European lawmakers to observe the trial. The body would be required to provide information about the testimonies given in court. It could include opposition representatives as well, Hammarberg said.