Women Detained Express Discontent Over Police Use of Excessive Force: Human Rights Defender

According to media reports, the Office of the Human Rights Defender registered yesterday that a group of citizens was detained by the Police of the Republic of Armenia in front of the administrative building of the Government, near Republic Square, around 1:00 PM. Multiple similar reports were received by the Defender's Office.

In response, rapid response teams from the Defender's Office conducted visits to the police stations, holding private conversations with those detained and some of their lawyers. All women who were subjected to administrative arrest stated during the conversations that the police officers did not present any demands while detaining them, nor did they inform them about the grounds and reasons for their detention. The grounds and reasons were also not provided at the police stations. Almost all mentioned that their minimum rights were not communicated to them at the police stations.

During the interviews, citizens also reported that the response of police officers to their actions during the gathering was disproportionate. For example, one of the women deprived of her freedom stated that she was detained by 4 police officers, while another mentioned 3 officers using excessive force. Similar issues were raised by other detainees.

Representatives from the Defender's Office clarified the detainees' minimum rights. The observations from today's visits indicate systemic issues regarding the detention of individuals under administrative arrest, specifically related to the failure to present the grounds and reasons for detention at the time of deprivation of liberty, the lack of explanation regarding rights, and the use of force during the detention process. A more individualized approach is necessary, viewing detention as a last resort and taking into account the specific circumstances of the situation, the gender of the detainee, and other factors.

The representatives from the Defender's Office reviewed the materials of the administrative proceedings at the police stations and received necessary clarifications from the police leadership. During the visits, police officers cooperated properly with the Defender's Office, providing all necessary information.

The results of the visits are being summarized, and based on these results, clarifications will be requested from the Police. Earlier, we reported that members of the “VET.O” movement were conducting a protest demanding the resignation of the Government. The Police reported to the media that 15 citizens had been detained in the police station.