The Police Are Not Monolithic or Unanimous Regarding Political Processes: "Pasta"

Mass protests and acts of disobedience taking place in the Republic of Armenia are often accompanied by clashes with various police units, resulting in a significant number of citizens being taken into custody using harsh methods by different police divisions. According to "Pasta" newspaper, special police units (red berets) have received clear directives from the authorities to apply strict measures against opposition members, even in cases where those being detained agree to enter police vehicles without resistance.

In conversations with several individuals detained in recent days, some noted that, in contrast to the aggression and hatred exhibited by police officers “outside” (despite some being quite professional, courteous, and merely performing a show of severity), those operating “inside” are fairly competent and professional, making it relatively easy to communicate and understand the true situation. One of our interlocutors mentioned that police investigators and interrogators are mostly quite reasonable, organized, and greet nearly all detainees with courtesy.