On 26 June, Anna Melikyan, Legal Expert and Programme Coordinator at the Protection of Rights Without Borders NGO, participated in a discussion marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, organised by the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia in its capacity as the National Preventive Mechanism.
During the discussion, Anna Melikyan stressed the importance of ensuring an effective and timely investigation into the criminal proceedings initiated in April 2024 following the Protection of Rights Without Borders report concerning the alleged torture of Samvel Vardanyan. She emphasised that independent, impartial, and effective investigations are essential to combating impunity for torture.
In response, a representative of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia stated that, to date, no individual has been charged in connection with the case and that a forensic examination has been ordered as part of the proceedings.
Anna Melikyan also highlighted the need to ensure victims of torture have access to free legal aid, stressing that the state should establish institutional mechanisms enabling victims to obtain quality legal representation and effectively exercise their right to justice.
Credits: Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia
On 26 June, Anna Melikyan, Legal Expert and Programme Coordinator
The beneficiary of the “Protection of Rights Without Borders” NGO
On 18 June 2026, the European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in its judgment
© Copyright 2026 | All rights reserved «Protection of Rights without Borders» NGO
