Robert Amsterdam: EU`s conduct is disgraceful; it has no right to  interfere in Armenian elections

ArmInfo.Armenia's leader is failing to protect his people, his history, his church, and his culture. This is precisely why Samvel Karapetyan's candidacy is so  vital for Armenia," stated Robert Amsterdam—a member of Samvel Karapetyan's international legal team—at a press conference on May 6.

According to Amsterdam, the events surrounding the Church and the 8th  European Political Community Summit only underscore and deepen  existing concerns. He described a statement made at the summit as  "appalling," characterizing it as an act of "violence against the  Armenian people."

"Many have asked me about the 8th European Political Community Summit  held in Yerevan on May 4. I will say this: I have never seen a  meeting of this kind held in a country where not a single investment  commitment was made and no substantial promises were given to the  people of that nation," Amsterdam declared. He further noted that not  a single issue beneficial to Armenia or its people was presented  during the summit. Instead, he pointed out that the discussions  focused on the interests of other countries regarding the development  of trade routes and infringements against Armenia's other partners.  "The EU has abandoned its commitment to supporting the rule of law,"  Amsterdam stated, emphasizing that the issue of political prisoners  held in dire conditions was never addressed.

The lawyer also recalled that Pashinyan failed to mention the  occupation of 200 square kilometers of Armenian territory by  Azerbaijan, nor did he address Baku's destruction of Artsakh's  historical and cultural heritage. "This suggests that Pashinyan's  interests may not align with those of the Armenian people," Amsterdam  remarked. He added that the organization he represents has prepared a  140-page report outlining and condemning the failures of EU policy  toward Armenia.  Speaking on the upcoming elections, the attorney  highlighted the dangers that may arise should the current  administration be re-elected. "I have had the opportunity to  communicate not only with Samvel, whom I have known for a long time,  but also with Narek, who has entirely dedicated himself to the  campaign and has successfully conveyed to the people just how  existential this choice is," Amsterdam noted. He added that the EU's  conduct is "disgraceful" and asserted that the organization has no  right to interfere in Armenian elections.

He further characterized the wiretapping and publication of  conversations involving Samvel Karapetyan's supporters as an equal  disgrace, citing it as a clear abuse of administrative resources by  the authorities.  While the attorney did not provide specific  examples of individual leaks, he noted that his Armenian colleagues  had already presented a detailed account of the situation.  Nevertheless, the human rights lawyer maintained that these actions  serve as a striking example of authoritarianism and the abuse of  power to benefit the election campaign of RA Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan.