Dismissed for Refusing to Attend Opposition Rally; Criminal Case Launched

On December 22, a user on the social media platform Facebook reported that the previous day, her husband was dismissed from his job for refusing to attend a rally organized by the opposition.

Based on this post, information was obtained by the Malatia division of the police, stating that on December 21, the director of a company located on Isakov Avenue in Yerevan urged 30-35 employees, including the aforementioned man working as an auto electrician, to participate in an upcoming strike and rally announced by the opposition.

After the man declined the invitation, the director informed him that under these circumstances, the auto electrician could not continue working at their organization, after which the man left the workplace.

Considering that there are apparent factual data concerning violations of human and citizen equality rights in the prepared materials, on December 23, a criminal case was initiated based on Article 143, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. This pertains to direct or indirect violations of human and citizen rights and freedoms based on gender, race, skin color, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, language, religion, worldview, political or other opinions, belonging to a national minority, property status, origin, disability, age, or other personal or social circumstances, which have caused harm to the rights and legal interests of a person and citizen.

An investigation is underway.

Note: The person suspected or accused of the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a court ruling that has entered into legal force.

Armenian Police