New Criminal Case Initiated on Alleged Torture by Police, Based on Report by Artsakh Human Rights Defender

On February 12, 2020, reports were received by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh regarding an incident of violence by police officers against a resident of the Drmbon community in the Martakert region.

After examining the complaint in accordance with established procedures, a decision was made to refer the complaint to another body, specifically the Artsakh Prosecutor General's Office, as per Article 19, Part 1, Clause 4 of the Law on the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh. The complainant has been notified of this decision.

Based on the report from the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, a criminal case has been initiated in the Special Investigative Division of the Prosecutor General's Office, and the citizen who reported the crime has been recognized as a victim and interrogated. A forensic medical examination has been appointed, and two police officers have been granted the status of suspects, one of whom has been arrested.

The Human Rights Defender will continue to ensure the full protection of human rights and freedoms and to prevent torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.