Fundamental freedoms under threat in Armenia, expert warns

A representative of the Mer Dzevov initiative and a highly regarded specialist in constitutional law, Gohar Meloyan, criticised the authorities’ frequent use of the term “hybrid war” during a discussion entitled “Armenia as an Arena of External Influences”, noting that it is often used as a tool to mislead the public.

According to her, a significant proportion of Armenian society lacks a clear understanding of what this concept actually means, making it easier to divert public attention away from genuine and pressing problems.

Meloyan also described it as alarming that representatives of the authorities themselves are initiating discussions about the so-called “Moldovan scenario”, viewing this as yet another dangerous signal.

In her view, representatives of the European Union should have responded far more attentively to a number of serious constitutional issues in Armenia, particularly in the sphere of freedom of expression. She noted that there have been cases in the country where individuals have been deprived of their liberty for journalistic activities and for freely expressing their opinions. In addition, Meloyan raised concerns regarding freedom of conscience and religion, referring to legal proceedings directed against the Church, as well as criminal cases initiated against members of the clergy.

According to her, not only political rights but also fundamental personal freedoms — including the right to freedom of speech, conscience and religion — are currently under threat.

In conclusion, Gohar Meloyan stated that any external interference in the upcoming elections to the National Assembly scheduled for June 2026, as well as internal obstacles created by competent authorities on vague or purely formal and technical grounds, should be regarded as falsification of the electoral process.