Amnesty International condemns charges against Armenian opposition activists

Amnesty International condemned the prosecution of Armenian opposition activists Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan, co-hosts of the Imnemnimi podcast, in its annual report released on Monday.

The report also highlighted increased pressure and harassment against journalists during anti-government protests in Armenia in 2024.

"The protests in April and May were accompanied by reports of increased pressure and harassment against journalists, including insults and threats. The Armenian Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression reported that 14 journalists and media workers were injured while covering the protests, due to targeted attacks as well as the crush of the crowd. Some journalists were shoved and pushed to the ground, while others reported being beaten and injured by police officers," the watchdog said.

"On 22 March, authorities detained podcast hosts and political opposition activists Vazgen Saghatelyan and Narek Samsonyan on charges of hooliganism and remanded them in custody for two months. The two men were accused of using obscene language against the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan and other figures from the ruling party on the media outlet AntiFake. Their trial began on 23 September. If convicted, they could face up to five years’ imprisonment," reads the report.