We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations and individuals, strongly condemn the ongoing, clearly unlawful, groundless, and politically motivated criminal prosecution and detention of Artur Osipyan, which is being used as a form of punishment.
On May 18, 2026, during an election campaign in Yerevan, Artur Osipyan, a forcibly displaced person from Artsakh, approached Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to raise critical questions regarding the Artsakh conflict negotiations. Following an emotional exchange, the Prime Minister responded with insulting remarks, after which Mr. Osipyan was promptly detained by the police. He now faces groundless charges of hooliganism, obstructing election campaigning, and public calls to violence, and the court has ordered a two-month detention with a complete ban on family visits and communication.
Artur Osipyan’s critical remarks fall strictly under the protection of the right to freedom of expression. The authorities’ response constitutes an abuse of power and an attempt to silence dissent through authoritarian tools. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about his health, as he is currently on his 15th day of a hunger strike under sub-standard, inhumane conditions in Nubarashen penitentiary․
Our Demands to the RA Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan:
- Immediately revoke the detention of Artur Osipyan as a restrictive measure.
- Terminate the criminal prosecution against him, ensuring the full protection of his fundamental rights and freedoms.
Details are available in the Armenian version/Մանրամասները հասանելի են հայերեն տարբերակում
