All the facts concerning the death of ten people during the tragic events in Yerevan, March 1, 2008, have not been established, which is a serious impediment and tantamount to impunity, CE Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg told journalists January 21.

All his concerns will be incorporated in a report he will prepare on returning to Strasbourg.

Thomas Hammarberg said he has paid several visits to Armenia in connection with the March 1 events. His aim was to find out what had been going on immediately after the tragic events. Among the aims of his visits was also to find out the facts concerning the human rights situation in the Armenian army, particularly the connection of violations committed by army officers with the state of war. Among the aims was also to get information on media freedom and guarantees of expression of opinions, the CE Human Rights Commissioner said. He also said he had meetings with the Chief of Armenian Police, Minister of Justice, Prosecutor General and Military Prosecutor.

Hammarberg reported he held meetings with coalition and Opposition representatives at the Armenian Parliament, particularly with the Opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan and representatives of human rights NGOs. Also, he held meetings with representatives of the A1+ and Gala TV channels, relatives of political prisoners and victims of the March 1, 2008, events. The CE Commissioner for Human Rights also visited penitentiary institutions and met with persons arrested for their political beliefs.

Thomas Hammarberg pointed out the necessity for establishing all the facts concerning the death of ten people, as well as for resolving the political prisoners problem. As regards army incidents, the CE Human Rights Commissioner pointed out the need for reforms, higher professional level in the army and a complaint system, which will prevent further violations. Both the officers and the Minister of Defense welcomed his proposals. Hailing the amnesty, the European official pointed out that some people involved in the March 1, 2008 events are still in prison. He discussed the issue with the Armenian authorities and called for releasing the prisoners.

Thomas Hammarberg also expressed his concerned over the police nonprofessional actions during the March 1, 2008 events. The issue was discussed with the Chief of the Armenian Police, who presented a program of improving raising police professional level. The RA Minister of Justice and Thomas Hammarberg discussed measures to prevent similar tragedies in future.