STATEMENT

on the need to exclude unacceptable speech and on selective justice in the electoral campaign

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, express our deep concern of and condemn the use of offensive, stigmatizing, degrading, and hate speech by representatives of political forces within the framework of the electoral campaign for the National Assembly elections on June 7, 2026. Such rhetoric undermines the possibility of substantive public discussion and healthy debate on issues of public importance. Moreover, when employed by individuals aspiring to the highest public office, such speech risks normalization within society, contributing to the escalation of aggressive discourse in broader public relations and further deepening societal polarization.

Particularly unacceptable and concerning is the public use of offensive, stigmatizing, degrading, profane, and threatening language by persons holding public office, as well as explicit or implicit references to the use of criminal justice mechanisms as a means of political pressure. Such conduct undermines public trust in state institutions and may be perceived as an abuse of public authority.

At the same time, in such an environment of political and public discourse, a continuous use of criminal law mechanisms in a selective and politically expedient manner to restrict the freedom of expression of individuals and to punish them, including through the qualification of speech under disproportionate criminal provisions and the imposition of pre-trial detention, when addressed to public officials, remains of concern. In parallel, responses by competent authorities to instances of hate speech and discrimination targeting other social groups remain delayed.

Freedom of expression is not an absolute right. However, in cases involving allegedly criminal speech, deprivation of liberty must remain an exceptional measure of last resort. Otherwise, such measures risk acquiring a punitive character contrary to fundamental human rights standards.

In light of the above, we call upon:

• Political parties and alliances participating in the electoral campaign, in their public speeches, to refrain from the use of offensive language, hate speech, incitement to violence, threats, and any expression that degrades human dignity, and to ensure adherence to standards of respectful and healthy political debate;
• Persons holding public office in their public speeches, to refrain from the use of offensive language, hate speech, incitement to violence, threats, and any expression that degrades human dignity, and to uphold standards of ethnics and integrity, and to avoid conduct that may undermine public confidence in state institutions; and to ensure adherence to standards of respectful and healthy political debate.
• The Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure independent and effective investigation of all relevant cases, including those involving speech by public officials, strictly in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, applicable international human rights treaties, and domestic legislation, including the classification of speech as a crime, while guaranteeing full procedural safeguards, including the presumption of innocence and the right to defense;
• Courts and judges to adjudicate cases in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, applicable international human rights treaties, and domestic legislation, ensuring human rights protection, exercising due diligence in assessing reasonable suspicion, and whether the choice of preventive measures is grounded, and ensuring that any restrictions on freedom of expression meet the requirements established under international law.

Protection of Rights without Borders NGO

Armenian Progressive Youth NGO

New Justice Culture NGO

Disability Rights Agenda NGO