Armenian Reporter Goes to European Court Over Police Violence

Yerevan-based photojournalist Ani Gevorgyan has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights demanding to recognize her as a victim of Armenian law enforcement officers' violent actions. 

Recall, on February 12, 2014, a group of Armenian National Congress (HAK) activists and board members, as well as reporters Sargis Gevorgyan and Ani Gevorgyan were detained by police while distributing flyers informing the public of the upcoming rally on March 1. Prior to the arrival of the police, a group of youth had impeded the opposition activists' campaign by seizing their leaflets. 

In connection with these events, Ani Gevorgyan reported a crime to the Special Investigatory Service. The police department's internal security service's investigation, however, Gevorgyan was not identified as a witness, while the case was subsequently discontinued.

In a conversation with Epress.am the reporter said receiving compensation was not her priority: “What's important is restoration of my violated rights. Every crime that goes unpunished creates new ones.”