Protect Human Rights Lawyers

Lawyers play a “critical role in upholding human rights” and should be able to “discharge their functions freely, independently and without any fear of reprisal.” 48

Summary: In the first section of this report – “Public Support to Human Rights Defenders”, we presented the general description of the situation concerning attorneys. Targeting of the attorney Arsen Mkrtchyan, in particular, became the basis for a motion once again to be brought to criminalize defamation, insult, explicit disrespectful attitude towards attorneys, as well as threats to their family members. The draft law, however, was not accepted allegedly because the criminalization of insults towards specific groups would entail criminalization of insult in general.

Recommendations

To the RA National Assembly, RA Government, RA Police and other State Agencies:

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Take effective legislative, law enforcement and other appropriate measures to guarantee the independence of lawyers and enable them to carry out their professional functions duly;

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Take extra measures to ensure the protection of lawyers who are at greater risk due to their dual role: as legal professionals and as human rights defenders.

To leaders in all sectors of society and mass media:

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Publicly acknowledge the important and legitimate role of human rights lawyers in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and avoid stigmatization of human rights lawyers.