Prague, 4 October 1996 (RFE/RL) -- A top official for the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly's Committee for Non-member States said yesterday that the human rights organization will send a special mission to Armenia to study the post-election situation there.
Hanneka Gelderlom told RFE/RL that the mission could go to Armenia as early as next week.
Gelderlom also expressed concern over the recent arrest and detention of opposition members of the Armenian Parliament. She called the arrests a serious violation of human rights as well as of the immunity of parliamentarians.
Five parliamentarians were arrested last month following anti-government protests against the results of the September 22 presidential elections. A government official said earlier that the delegates' immunity was stripped by Parliament after they were accused of taking part in the protests.
Armenia is a guest member of the Council of Europe, which is Europe's leading human rights organization. Yerevan has applied for full membership in the Council.
Hanneka Gelderlom told RFE/RL that the mission could go to Armenia as early as next week.
Gelderlom also expressed concern over the recent arrest and detention of opposition members of the Armenian Parliament. She called the arrests a serious violation of human rights as well as of the immunity of parliamentarians.
Five parliamentarians were arrested last month following anti-government protests against the results of the September 22 presidential elections. A government official said earlier that the delegates' immunity was stripped by Parliament after they were accused of taking part in the protests.
Armenia is a guest member of the Council of Europe, which is Europe's leading human rights organization. Yerevan has applied for full membership in the Council.