Numerous manifestations of hate speech were documented in the comment sections of Armenian media coverage following the tragic attack during the LGBTQI+ Pride in Berlin

On 25 July, a tragic attack occurred during the LGBTQI+ Pride (CSD Berlin / Berlin Pride) in Berlin, leaving one person dead and many others injured. The incident received widespread coverage in both international and Armenian media, prompting discussions on public safety, violence, and the protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people.

The Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO monitored the comment sections of Armenian media publications covering the attack in order to assess public reactions and document manifestations of hate speech targeting LGBTQI+ people.

The monitoring revealed that a significant number of comments went beyond discussing the incident itself. Many contained hostility, insults, dehumanizing language directed at LGBTQI+ people, as well as explicit justification of violence and encouragement of further violent acts. The monitoring also identified comments portraying the attack as a welcome or desirable event and glorifying the perpetrator as a heroic or exemplary figure.

Among the comments documented were:

• “May the same happen to Armenia’s perverts.”
• “Too bad only a few were killed.”
• “They all should have been eliminated.”
• “That man deserves a hero’s title.”
• “There are many of them in Armenia too they should be burned.”
• “There were victims, but they were not human victims.”
• “They don’t die; they deserve to be exterminated.”

These comments demonstrate not only deeply rooted prejudice against LGBTQI+ people but also the continued circulation of dehumanizing narratives and rhetoric that legitimizes violence in online public spaces. Justifying violence against a particular social group, denying their humanity, or openly calling for their physical elimination cannot be regarded as a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. Such rhetoric contributes to an environment of hostility and intolerance, deepens social polarization, and increases the risks of discrimination and hate-motivated violence.

At the same time, the monitoring also identified comments condemning the attack, emphasizing the equal value of every human life, and rejecting hate speech. However, such responses were significantly outnumbered by comments containing hate speech, justification of violence, or degrading and dehumanizing statements targeting LGBTQI+ people.

The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia guarantees the protection of human dignity and equality for every individual. Furthermore, international human rights instruments to which Armenia is a party impose an obligation on the State to take effective measures to prevent discrimination, incitement to hatred, and violence. Public tragedies must never become opportunities to spread hatred, justify violence, or encourage attacks against any social group.

The Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO calls on the competent state authorities, particularly law enforcement agencies, to assess, within the scope of their mandate, public expressions that incite violence, hatred, or physical attacks against groups of people, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and international human rights standards.

We also call on media outlets and social media platforms to respond more consistently to comments containing hate speech, dehumanizing language, and the promotion of violence by applying effective moderation policies and fostering public discourse based on respect for human rights and human dignity.

Furthermore, we call on state institutions, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, civil society organizations, and international partners to continue their joint efforts to prevent hate speech, raise public awareness, strengthen media literacy, and promote a culture of respect for human dignity.

Respect for human life and dignity is a universal value. Regardless of a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic, the justification of violence, the dehumanization of individuals, and the spread of hatred against any group have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.