The “Akanates” observer mission expressed concern over growing hate speech and intolerance in Armenia’s political and public discourse, which it said has intensified in recent days during the election campaign. The mission drew attention to the dispute between Arthur Osipyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, stating that the motion seeking Osipyan’s detention appears unfounded and unlawful.
“Accordingly, at least on the basis of publicly available information, we consider the criminal prosecution against Arthur Osipyan, the charges brought against him under Articles 330, 297 and 211 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, and consequently the motion for detention, to be prima facie unfounded and unlawful.
“According to the assessment, Osipyan’s statements, although containing harsh and in some cases inappropriate political criticism, nevertheless remained within the framework of political critique, including remarks criticizing manifestations of corruption in Artsakh and the rhetoric used in a social media post made before the meeting.
“At the same time, in this situation, his opponent — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan — also made no less harsh and even sharper remarks and responses, indicating a mutually emotional and political confrontation. In Pashinyan’s case, inappropriate remarks directed at forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh are especially concerning and unacceptable, as they once again inflame public sentiment and deepen polarization.
“In such conditions, the parties’ statements, if necessary, may become the subject of assessment exclusively within the legal context of insult or defamation. However, they cannot reasonably be classified as hooliganism, obstruction of campaigning or, even more so, public calls for violence, justification or promotion of violence,” the statement said.
The observer mission called on law enforcement bodies to stop what it described as an unfounded criminal prosecution carrying political overtones, to act strictly in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, legality and proportionality, and to avoid conduct that could create the impression of interference in political processes.
“At the same time, we call on all political actors to show restraint, refrain from hate speech and rhetoric aimed at deepening intolerance toward political opponents, thereby contributing to public solidarity and the preservation of the principles of a rule-of-law state,” the mission added.
Earlier, lawyer Roman Yeritsyan said that a motion for Arthur Osipyan’s detention had been submitted to court. During the campaign, Osipyan approached the prime minister and asked questions about the status of Artsakh, the negotiation process and financial assistance provided by Armenia to former Artsakh authorities. The exchange escalated, and Pashinyan sharply urged Osipyan to leave.
