The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled against Armenia on April 3, confirming that journalist Hayk Grigoryan’s right to freedom of expression was violated, under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The court ordered the state to pay the journalist €4500 as compensation for non-material damage, according to Hetq.
On July 17, 2016, an armed group stormed the premises of the Police State Protection Service in Armenia. The event sparked mass protests in Yerevan in support of the attackers, demanding President Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation.
In response, police imposed heightened security measures, blocked areas including Sari Tagh, cut off gas supply, and halted transportation. Protesters pushed back against these restrictions on July 19.
Independent journalist Hayk Grigoryan was covering the demonstrations. During a confrontation where police fired into the air and most protesters fled, Grigoryan approached three officers surrounding a man sitting on the ground to film the scene. One officer reportedly beat Grigoryan with his hands and feet and took his camera. When Grigoryan followed them, they again attempted to use force.
Journalist T. Yenokyan, who witnessed the incident, repeatedly shouted that Grigoryan was a journalist and demanded the police stop.
Grigoryan was hospitalized at Surb Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center with multiple injuries to his head, chest, lip, and jaw. A maxillofacial surgeon treated and stitched the wounds.
The hospital informed Erebuni police that Grigoryan claimed the injuries were inflicted by law enforcement officers.
On July 23, a Special Investigation Service investigator opened a case on abuse of official power and obstruction of journalistic activity.
A forensic examination on August 6 found a lip injury, categorized as minor. On September 6, Grigoryan was officially recognized as a victim.
Following the dissolution of the Special Investigation Service, the case moved to the Anti-Corruption Committee, which questioned the officers. They claimed Grigoryan had no visible press identification and said their intention was to restrain him and prevent conflict.
The officers denied hitting him or deleting any footage.
On July 14, 2022, the case was transferred to the Investigative Committee’s division for particularly important cases. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Grigoryan appealed to the ECHR.
He was represented by lawyers Haykuhi Harutyunyan, Arax Melkonyan, and others from the NGO "Protection of Rights without Borders."
The government cited domestic cases where individuals had been held accountable for actions against journalists, but only three involved police officers.
The state argued the complaint was inadmissible, claiming that domestic legal remedies were not exhausted. Grigoryan countered that the investigation had dragged on for nearly seven years without charges filed.
The Court stressed that only effective criminal procedures can ensure real protection in such cases. It noted the investigation, despite ample evidence, lasted an unacceptably long seven years.
Grigoryan requested €82 for his lost phone, €10,000 for non-material damage, and €3800 for legal expenses. The Court found the material damage unproven and rejected the cost reimbursement claim due to lack of supporting documentation.
By recognizing the violation of free expression, the Court ruled that the state must pay the journalist €4500 in non-material damages.
