Arman Tatoyan: Today’s incidents of violence and the use of special measures by the police against the participants of the assembly were a gross violation of the law

Today’s incidents of violence and the use of special measures by the police against the participants of the assembly at the Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection were a gross violation of the law. Former Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia Arman Tatoyan made a Facebook post on this.

“Before the use of special measures, the Police was obliged to provide constant and proper information, indicate the grounds for use, etc. It was necessary to identify and isolate the instigators. Instead, 1-2 hours before the use of special measures, the Police made only 1-2 announcements with a warning to remove the women. it is not impermissible.

Tear gas grenades and other similar means, taking into account their nature, the harm they cause to a person, have such strict requirements that they are subject to use in accordance with the standards of lethal force. Group and individual beatings of assembly participants by police officers are subject to criminal prosecution.

It was obvious that the actions of the Police became more drastic today, when the head of the Government made political statements supporting the actions of the Police, including those subject to criminal punishment. The Speaker of the National Assembly immediately considered the use of sound grenades “fair”, which he has no right to do.

These statements are nothing more than “to act freely” – a political order of violence and special measures directed at the Police, a signal of impunity.

As a result, (with the publications of this moment) we had damages caused to the health of the participants of the assembly (cut arm, damaged legs, etc.), as well as to the police officers.

In other words, there is a direct causal connection between the statements of the political authorities sponsoring the actions of the Police and the violations of the Police, including the actions subject to criminal punishment. This is proven by the fact that until now no “red beret” or other police officer has been criminally punished or even prosecuted for violence or torture.

This are political authorities that have been talking day and night about putting end to police violence and especially impunity,” Tatoyan wrote.