Deutsche Welle examines selective prosecutions and declining democratic safeguards in Armenia

YEREVAN — German broadcaster Deutsche Welle has examined growing concerns over selective prosecution, restrictions on political expression and democratic backsliding in Armenia, highlighting cases involving opposition activists and displaced Artsakh Armenians.

The report focuses partly on the arrest of Adekvad party leader Artur Danielyan in October following social media posts sharply criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Armenia’s security authorities.

More than a dozen civil society organizations condemned the prosecution as unlawful, disproportionate and politically motivated.

DW also examined the prosecution of Artsakh activist Artur Osipyan following a confrontation with Pashinyan during the parliamentary election campaign.

The report cited a 2025 Freedom House assessment indicating that nearly 95% of cases brought under a provision concerning incitement to violence involved alleged threats against Pashinyan or his supporters.

Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security, highlighted hostile online rhetoric directed at displaced Artsakh Armenians by pro-government commentators and the limited law-enforcement response.

He also questioned the European Union’s muted reaction to democratic concerns in Armenia, arguing that geopolitical calculations have overshadowed stronger scrutiny of the government’s domestic practices.

The findings add to continuing concerns about judicial independence, freedom of expression and the uneven application of criminal law.