While freedom of expression, assembly and movement were largely unrestricted around the election, monitors reported widespread vote buying as well as instances of pressure on voters, says the annual report issued by Amnesty International.

The 2013 report on state of human rights in Armenia said freedom of expression was largely unrestricted in the country.

“However, those expressing opinions perceived as unpatriotic or anti-nationalist faced widespread public hostility and occasionally violence. Police and local authorities appeared at times to be colluding in the attacks. They also failed to properly investigate or to publicly and unequivocally denounce such acts,” the report reads.

The experts of the Amnesty International brought as an example actions against the attempts to hold a festival of Azerbaijani films in Gyumri and Vanadzor, as well as attack on a gay-friendly bar in Yerevan. It is mentioned that Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party and Parliamentary Deputy Speaker, was quoted justifying the violent attack in local newspapers.

They also recall the report published by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture following their visit to Armenia in December 2011. It stated that “virtually none of the recommendations made after previous visits as regards the detention of lifers have been implemented”.

“By the end of the year, more than 30 men were serving prison sentences for refusing to perform military service on grounds of conscience. Alternative civilian service remained under military control,” the report says.