OSCE MP: right to peaceful protest does not enable demonstrators to force their way into buildings

PanARMENIAN.Net - On the 8th day of the mass protests in Yerevan and other cities, Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights committee, Ignacio Sanchez Amor (Spain) called on all sides to engage in constructive dialogue, official website of OSCE reports.

“I welcome the civic engagement of people turning out to exercise their right to freedom of expression through peaceful protest. This right must be respected by the authorities, and I take note of reports of instances of excessive use of force. At the same time, I remind that the right to peaceful protest does not enable demonstrators to force their way into buildings and disrupt proceedings”, said Sanchez as reported by Panorama.am.

“At the same time, I remind that the right to peaceful protest does not enable demonstrators to force their way into buildings and disrupt proceedings. I call on all sides to exercise due restraint to ensure that all Armenians can peacefully express their opinions”, said the European MP. He called for a prompt return to constructive dialogue.

Sanchez also added that in this context, freedom of the press is of paramount importance and journalists should be protected against any form of violence.

Sanchez Amor served as Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission to the April 2017 parliamentary elections in Armenia.