Torture Incident at Police Station: Lawyer Releases Photos

“On the evening of May 30, police tortured Samvel Hasanyan, who is suspected of committing a crime,” reports lawyer Arayik Papikyan.

Violence was inflicted on him both during his apprehension and at the Vanadzor Police Station. “Numerous individuals, both in police uniforms and civilian clothes, have caused him multiple bodily injuries to his head, abdomen, and arms. The injuries are extensive.” According to Samvel Hasanyan's defense lawyer, Arayik Papikyan, no action has been taken by law enforcement since his alert, despite the fact that he has filed a report with the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia regarding the incident.

The day after the incident, the investigator ordered a forensic medical examination. Interestingly, according to the lawyer, the decision to conduct the forensic examination stated: “Samvel Hasanyan resisted the police officers during his apprehension, resulting in injuries from contact with the edges of the car doors, and he fell to the asphalt and sustained bodily injuries.” Such testimonies were provided by police officers involved in his apprehension.

“Despite the Prime Minister, the Chief of Police, or the Minister of Justice discussing reforms, the police, following the rules of the Soviet militia, are unable to do anything other than resort to violence,” laments Arayik Papikyan.

Samvel Hasanyan has been taken to a civilian hospital for examination twice. After the first examination, it was determined that he needed a computed tomography scan. However, as there was no relevant documentation from the prosecuting body, the state-funded examination could not be conducted. If Samvel Hasanyan were to pay for the examination himself, the lawyer believes the brain injuries would have been identified.

Samvel Hasanyan was arrested on charges of aiding theft, based on testimonies from three police officers.