Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan has condemned the persistent and large-scale violations of the right to privacy and protection of personal data, noting that the Armenian government is not taking sufficient preventive action. This was stated in an official release from the Ombudsman’s Office.
She emphasized that the unauthorized collection or distribution of personal data, in violation of legal procedures, not only contradicts the Constitution and Armenia’s international obligations but also constitutes a breach of several fundamental human rights.
“These rights are violated daily, but especially during cases that receive public attention,” the statement reads.
Just weeks ago, following a high-profile incident, the Human Rights Defender publicly voiced concern over the growing number of such violations, noting that intrusions into private life often involve the unlawful acquisition and/or dissemination of personal or sensitive data.
Manasyan stressed that illegal data collection or distribution must lead to legal accountability. She also stated that all actors involved in data misuse bear responsibility, and such violations have become widespread in Armenia.
She called on the state to take responsibility by creating effective mechanisms for prevention and ensuring accountability in confirmed cases.
The Ombudsman demanded that competent state authorities thoroughly investigate any breach of privacy or data protection rights.
She also urged all parties—government bodies, organizations, and individuals—to strictly respect legal safeguards for personal data and privacy, collecting and sharing information only as permitted by law.
“Any topic can be part of a democratic debate, but such discourse must not violate the core values of human rights,” Manasyan said.
She concluded that respect for privacy and data protection is not merely a legal obligation but a reflection of a society’s and state’s legal culture.
The statement follows the circulation of a video online allegedly linked to Archbishop Arshak’s private life.
