Armenian Law Students Association (ALSA)

Southwestern Law School

3050 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90010

March 14, 2013

Samantha Rodgers 

Chief Membership Mobilization Officer

Amnesty International USA

5 Penn Plaza

New York, NY 10001

Dear Ms. Rodgers:

We are a group of concerned Armenian-American law students writing to express our deep concern regarding the reports of human rights violations during Armenia’s February 18, 2013 presidential election.

We appeal to Amnesty International to assist the Armenian people in realizing their democratic aspirations by launching a supporter mobilization campaign.

We strongly concur with your February 28, 2013 Public Statement that there is an urgent need for Armenian authorities to investigate election-related human rights violations. We do not ask Amnesty International to take a position on the outcome of the election, but to help mobilize and organize the public in their pursuit of a meaningful and impartial investigation into the many alleged human rights abuses.

Per your statement, “Amnesty International calls on the relevant authorities to carry out prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of rights violations during the elections and hold those responsible to account. The authorities must also guarantee the safety of participants at postelection protests and public meetings.” These are fundamental rights which must be upheld, as protests are ongoing and the Constitutional Court has just denied a petition disputing official election results. Unfortunately, public trust in the Constitutional Court’s impartiality is weak, so we also ask Amnesty International to look into potential abuse of the rule of law.

Judging by the passionate reaction from Armenians to reports of roughly 400 election irregularities, there is widespread support for a mobilization campaign. For the past month, protests have been made on a daily basis in Armenia, not only in Yerevan but in towns and villages across the country. At the risk of violent reprisals and loss of employment (and financial ruin), ordinary citizens in Armenia have openly protested election misconduct. University students are engaged in a brave strike that enjoys wide popular support. Diaspora communities in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Brussels have rallied in solidarity with native Armenians.

For many in the diaspora, the local Armenian response to what is perceived as an undemocratic electoral process is the most encouraging display of civic participation we have seen since Armenia became an independent Republic in 1991. We are inspired to do our part to support those at the forefront of the quest for a more democratic Armenia, and we urge Amnesty International to assist in that universal cause.

Yours truly,

Tamara Shahabian Voskanian 
ALSA Vice President On behalf of the ALSA Board