Clarifications Required from Police Regarding the Case of Anna Shahnazaryan, Member of the Armenian Ecological Front Initiative - Human Rights Defender

Following the information about the detention of Anna Shahnazaryan, a member of the Armenian Ecological Front initiative, and the public concerns raised about it, the Human Rights Defender has initiated a discussion procedure. This was reported by the public relations department of the Defender's office.

In addition, the Defender's office received information through a call to their hotline from one of the members of the Armenian Ecological Front initiative following the incident.

As part of the discussion initiated by the Human Rights Defender, contact was promptly established with Anna Shahnazaryan. In a written complaint addressed to the Defender, she stated that when she was detained, the police officers did not provide her with the grounds and reasons for her detention, her procedural status, or her resultant rights.

According to Anna Shahnazaryan, the police officers unjustifiably confiscated the participants' belongings (banners, tables, chairs, flyers), as well as the entire collected amount of money. Shahnazaryan stated that the police informed her that she had not been detained but was being taken to the police station on suspicion of fraud.

She claims that the police actions obstructed her public activities. Currently, all obtained information, including the circumstances of Anna Shahnazaryan's written complaint, has been summarized in the Defender's office. A letter has been addressed to the Police of Armenia with demands for clarification and specific inquiries related to the raised issues.