In Armenia, abuse of human rights during elections has been reported since 1995, with the practice secured in later years, the 1st Armenian ombudsman, current member of Heritage opposition party said.

As Larisa Alaverdyan told a news conference in Yerevan, “I don’t mean to shift the full blame on authorities in 1995.”

“Despite the change of power, no progress has been observed since, with violation of human rights gradually gaining in severity,” the politician said regarding the March 1, 2008 events.

“Despite legislation, envisaging punishment for electoral violations, it’s law-enforcement policy that Armenia has issues with,” the politician concluded.