Armenian parliament 10 June passed controversial amendments to law on television and radio regulating mandatory transition to digital broadcasting. Media watchdogs, OSCE, U.S., rights groups denounced measure, claiming it allowed govt to reduce plurality of media, prevent emergence of independent broadcasters.

Yerevan court 4 May sentenced former senior Defence Ministry official Armen Sarkisian to 2 years in prison, gave his former subordinate and accomplice 1 year suspended jail term for leaking in Dec 2009 secret govt order sanctioning military’s involvement in suppressing 2008 post-election protests. Directive issued Feb 2008 amidst opposition demonstrations in Yerevan and gave specially created command structure unlimited control over military units in capital. Highest criminal court 5 May rejected appeals against 2 lower-court rulings, upholding 3.5 year jail term of opposition leader Nikol Pashinian sentenced for alleged role in 2008 post-election unrest.

In 24 Apr statement on anniversary of 1915 Ottoman killings of Armenians, U.S. President Obama avoided term “genocide”, described events using Armenian phrase “Meds Yeghern” meaning “Great Calamity”.

Council of Europe Committee for Prevention of Torture 19 March called for public inquiry into March 2008 post-election violence, expressing concern about ill-treatment of opposition members in detention. Appellate court 10 March rejected acquittal of opposition leader Nikol Pashinian sentenced for alleged role in 2008 unrest, but halved original 7-year prison term.

Armenian investigation into 10 Jan parliamentary bi-election, condemned by opposition and observers as fraudulent, concluded 19 Feb, finding no evidence of wrongdoing. Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe early month stated intention to raise case of jailed opposition member and losing candidate Nikol Pashinian during spring visit to Yerevan.

In defeat viewed as demoralizing for opposition, jailed Armenian National Congress (HAK) candidate Nikol Pashinian lost 10 Jan parliamentary bi-election; polls condemned by opposition, U.S. observer mission and media as fraudulent, marred by violence. Pashinian given 7-year jail sentence 19 Jan for role in March 2008 post-election violence. Govt engaged in high-level meetings with Russia on issues including rapprochement with Turkey and Nagorno-Karabakh 12, 19 Jan.

14 opposition parties appealed to Constitutional Court 3 Dec to declare 10 Oct rapprochement protocols with Turkey unconstitutional; Armenian National Congress (HAK) did not participate. Tensions increased ahead of 10 Jan parliamentary by-election: state prosecutors 22 Dec demanded 8 years in prison for HAK candidate Nikol Pashinian, on trial for alleged role in March 2008 post-election violence. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly 21 Dec criticised govt report justifying use of force against protesters following 2008 elections, demanded new inquiry.

Opposition Armenian National Council (HAK) leader and former president Ter-Petrossian 11 Nov suggested readiness to recognise President Sarkisian’s legitimacy if govt cooperates with opposition; also denounced “extreme nationalist” demands for land claims against Turkey. Sarkisian 19 Nov formally submitted 10 Oct Turkey rapprochement protocols to Constitutional Court, which must rule on constitutionality before protocols can go to parliament for ratification. Court 23 Nov released opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian, on trial for alleged role in March 2008 post-election violence, removed bar on his candidacy in Jan parliamentary by-election. NATO special representative to South Caucasus 6 Nov announced Armenian troops to go to Afghanistan 2010.

As part of planned internal political consultations, President Sarkisian held meeting with over 50 opposition leaders 17 Sept regarding rapprochement process with Turkey (see Armenia/Turkey). Meeting boycotted by Heritage party, which is calling for referendum on issue, and Armenian National Congress (HAK). Rapprochement agreement drew criticism from number of sources over month including hardline Dashnaksutiun party; and support including from prominent genocide scholar. Addressing thousands attending HAK rally 18 Sept, former President Ter-Petrosian called for opposition unity.