Some Must Soon Be Dealt With So Harshly That They Won't Even Make a Sound, Says Pashinyan

The police in the Republic of Armenia should not be afraid to take action. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made this statement during a special session of the National Assembly today, responding to deputies' questions about detaining citizens for not wearing masks or wearing them incorrectly.

“It feels like the police should sneak around behind the walls. No, it is those who violate the rules and laws and criminals who should be sneaking around. It seems like the police are the number one enemy of this country. No, the lawlessness is the number one enemy of this country. The police must act bravely, within their jurisdiction, confidently, but also legally. And those who spread this atmosphere of lawlessness must find a place to hide,” said Pashinyan.

However, the Prime Minister promised that police officers who commit illegal acts will be held accountable, but this does not mean that one should engage in verbal brawls with police officers enforcing the mask-wearing requirement. “I believe that during these last two years, the police and the National Security Service of Armenia have used force very little against some, and against others, they should apply so much force very soon that they won't make a sound at all,” he added.