Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan Responds to Incident in Kapan

The Human Rights Defender has responded to the incident that occurred in Kapan by releasing a statement.

“This morning, two lawyers reported to the hotline of the Human Rights Defender’s office that three of their clients had been taken to the Kapan police station. They visited the police station, but the police did not allow them to enter and meet with their clients. Shortly after these reports, the lawyers informed that two of the individuals who had been detained are already at the investigative body,” the statement reads.

“Following the lawyers’ complaints, residents of Kajaran called the Human Rights Defender’s hotline to inform that one of the individuals taken to the Kapan police station had been released and is with them now. According to the reports from Kajaran residents, the individual who was detained and subsequently released has visible bodily injuries, and the police used physical violence against him both during his detention at home and at the police station, including degrading remarks made towards him. According to the report, he is currently undergoing examination at a medical facility.”

“Photos have been sent to the Human Rights Defender’s office, which citizens claim prove the occurrence of violence. We have thoroughly examined all public data, including the photographs. Immediately following the reports, the central office of the Human Rights Defender, as well as the regional subdivision in Syunik, initiated necessary measures. Efforts are being made to communicate with the police and investigatory bodies. Our Kapan subdivision is already working, and lawyers or citizens can receive full support,” the statement continued.

“According to preliminary information clarified by the Human Rights Defender’s office, there is also another individual who has been detained and arrested in Yerevan regarding this case. We will maintain contact with the investigative body on this matter. A criminal case should be initiated immediately based on the described information. Moreover, all verification actions must be conducted strictly within the frameworks established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia. In such cases, a service investigation cannot replace a criminal proceeding and cannot be an acceptable method for verifying such allegations.”

“Tomorrow morning, an official letter will be sent to the Prosecutor's Office and the Police with my signature. The lawyers have also indicated that aside from the initial report, they will present an additional written complaint to the Human Rights Defender, which will also be considered when drafting our written requests. The process will remain within the limits of the Human Rights Defender’s authority and will be under my attention,” concluded Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.