Criminal Case Initiated Based on Report by Artsakh Ombudsman

On November 22, 2021, the Office of the Human Rights Defender received information regarding acts of violence committed by law enforcement officers of the Artsakh Republic against a citizen of the Russian Federation residing in the village of Maghavuz, Martakert region. This was reported by the Office of the Artsakh Human Rights Defender.

After reviewing the complaint in accordance with the established procedure, a decision was made to refer the complaint to another body—the Office of the General Prosecutor of the Artsakh Republic—based on part 1, point 4 of Article 19 of the Law on the Human Rights Defender, with the written consent of the person who filed the complaint. The complainant was notified of this decision.

On November 24, 2021, based on the report by the Ombudsman, a criminal case was initiated in the Special Investigation Division of the Office of the General Prosecutor of the Artsakh Republic, under the characteristics of a crime stipulated in part 2 of Article 323 of the Criminal Code.

The Human Rights Defender will remain vigilant in ensuring the comprehensive protection of human rights and freedoms, and in preventing torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.