Human Rights Organization Wins Lawsuit Against Armenia’s Defense Ministry

The Administrative Court of the Republic of Armenia (RA) on April 9 upheld the claim of Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office against the RA Ministry of Defense. 

As reported by the organization [AM], the court ordered the defense ministry to provide the information requested by the organization and confiscated 8,000 AMD (less than $20 USD) in the organization's favor, as paid state duty. 

"Thus, if in one month's time the decision is not appealed to the RA Administrative Court of Appeal and will enter into legal force, the RA Ministry of Defense is obliged to provide the organization with the names of organizations supplying food, clothing, fuel, and stationery supplies and the types of food, clothing, fuel, and stationery supplies they have supplied," notes the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office. 

The human rights organization submitted the claim back in 2010, then asked to suspend proceedings until the RA Constitutional Court issued a ruling in another case. The RA Constitutional Court 06.03.2012 decision No. 1010 recognized Article 12 Section 7 of the Republic of Armenia Law on State and Official Secrets, according to which departmental lists are encrypted and not subject to disclosure, as contrary to Articles 27 and 43 of the RA Constitution and thus, null and void. 

Photo credit: RA Ministry of Defense