Human Rights Defender Comments on the Detention of David Apoian

The Human Rights Defender has issued a legal position regarding the detention of David Apoian, the president of the Student Council at Yerevan State University. According to the Human Rights Defender's office, Apoian and his lawyer Tigran Ghazaryan have submitted a complaint to the Defender. A private conversation has taken place with them at the Defender's office regarding this matter.

Apoian raised issues related to his rights and requested the support of the Human Rights Defender in protecting those rights. The Defender's office conducted a thorough review of the raised issues and all related materials. In this statement, the Defender presents his legal position on the raised questions.

The Human Rights Defender noted that the method chosen for David Apoian's detention is unacceptable. "First, it is problematic that David Apoian was detained using special measures—handcuffs—without the justification being present in the specific situation. Moreover, the way in which Apoian was detained indicates elements of criminal prosecution against him, while he was subsequently interrogated only as a witness. Furthermore, public reactions to the video of Apoian's detention suggest that it has also caused public perceptions of this nature. The method chosen for transferring David Apoian to the police department is also problematic from the perspective of the public reputation of Yerevan State University," states the position.

The Human Rights Defender finds it necessary to specifically note that he has taken into account the appointment of an internal investigation into the actions of the police employees. The Defender has discussed the aforementioned issues with the Chief of Police of Armenia. "Such a response from the police is of great importance in preventing similar incidents in the future," the statement adds.

The Human Rights Defender's office is in direct contact with David Apoian and his lawyer Tigran Ghazaryan and will take necessary actions within its jurisdiction regarding this case.