Armenian Center for Political Rights

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The Armenian Center for Political Rights (ACPR) is a civil society organization in Armenia focused on political rights, democratic accountability, and the protection of civil liberties. It engages in monitoring, research, and advocacy on issues related to electoral integrity, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the conduct of state institutions.

ACPR has been active in periods of political tension in Armenia, including during the post-44-Day War environment of political polarization, the 2021 snap elections, and the ongoing debates about judicial independence and government accountability. The organization represents part of a broader ecosystem of Armenian civil society that operates independently of both government and opposition political parties.

Groong episodes referencing the Armenian Center for Political Rights address issues of civil rights, democratic governance, and the accountability of Armenian political institutions — including the conduct of elections, the independence of the judiciary, and the treatment of political prisoners and detainees.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Armenian Center for Political Rights.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
  • Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
  • No oversight, no privacy laws.
  • Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.

Topics:

  • Report on Police Brutality on June 12 Rally
  • PACE Resolution on Armenia
  • Armenia’s High Pretrial Detention Rate
  • Spotlight on Political Prisoner: Avetik Chalabyan

Guest:

Episode 343 | Recorded: June 28, 2024

Topics:

  • Report on Police Brutality on June 12 Rally
  • PACE Resolution on Armenia
  • Armenia’s High Pretrial Detention Rate
  • Spotlight on Political Prisoner: Avetik Chalabyan

Guest:

Episode 343 | Recorded: June 28, 2024

Topics:

  • Detention vs. Arrest
  • Hundreds Of Protesters Arrested
  • “Red Berets” Beat Up MP
  • Artsakh Mayors Under Arrest
  • Podcasters Released But Banned From Podcasting
    • Narek Samsonyan
    • Vazgen Saghatelyan

Guest:

Episode 336 | Recorded: June 16, 2024

Topics:

  • Detention vs. Arrest
  • Hundreds Of Protesters Arrested
  • “Red Berets” Beat Up MP
  • Artsakh Mayors Under Arrest
  • Podcasters Released But Banned From Podcasting
    • Narek Samsonyan
    • Vazgen Saghatelyan

Guest:

Episode 336 | Recorded: June 16, 2024

Topics:

  • Political Prisoners in Armenia
  • Armenia’s Hate Speech Laws
  • Cases
    • Samuel Vardanyan
    • Narek Malyan
    • Armen Grigorian

Guest:

Episode 325 | Recorded: April 20, 2024

Topics:

  • Political Prisoners in Armenia
  • Armenia’s Hate Speech Laws
  • Cases
    • Samuel Vardanyan
    • Narek Malyan
    • Armen Grigorian

Guest:

Episode 325 | Recorded: April 20, 2024

Guest:

Topics:

  • “Forced Illusion of Normalcy”
  • Political Prisoners and Judicial Harassment
  • Negotiations and “Peace Treaty”
  • Armenia’s Military Capacity
  • What Need to be Done?
  • Thoughts from the Participants

Episode 302 | Recorded: January 14, 2024