Armenian eco-activists criminalized for exposing environmentally harmful metal mining project

More than nine months after our first declaration condemning the abusive use of SLAPP suits in Armenia, civic space remains under threat.

Since January 2025, a surge of false narratives, spread by tabloids, has been circulating. These narratives seek to incriminate environmental activists and NGOs in Armenia, such as the Centre for Community Mobilization and Support and EcoLur.

These organizations have been actively denouncing the environmental pollution caused by mining activities, as well as opposing plans to establish new mining initiatives that pose risks to the environment, public health, and rural communities.

One of the main accusations is that these organizations monitor the environment in Armenia for the benefit of Azerbaijan. These claims are entirely false and serve only to criminalize those who expose harmful extractive projects.

These grassroots organizations are vital to local and national democracy. They were founded by citizens to promote democratic principles, ensuring public participation in decision-making processes and infrastructure development. In a society where profit-driven extractive projects take precedence over community rights and environmental protection, the work of civil society organization is more crucial than ever.

This disinformation campaign discourages local activists, weakens civic engagement, and fosters fear, preventing people from speaking out about environmental issues in their communities. Our colleagues in Armenia are witnessing a decline in local democracy and growing environmental risks –  this is unacceptable.

FoEE stands in solidarity with Armenian civil society. A democratic country has a duty to protect activists, environmentalists and human rights defenders from criminalization and false accusations.