Human Rights Defender's Office Visits 24 Detained Individuals: Reports on Their Accounts

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has issued a statement indicating that "The Human Rights Defender's Office monitors the ongoing protests both directly and through media and social media channels.

Police actions are also under examination. Reports have been received at the Human Rights Defender's hotline regarding individuals being detained by police. Accordingly, rapid response teams from the Human Rights Defender's Office conducted visits to various police departments on April 25 and 26. Specifically, on April 25, visits were made to the Arabkir and Central police stations, while on April 26 visits occurred at the Arabkir, Central, and Kanaker-Zeytun police stations.

During these visits, representatives of the Defender held private interviews with 24 detained individuals, examined documents prepared regarding those deprived of liberty, and discussed several issues related to the protection of their rights with competent representatives of the police.

During the interviews, those deprived of liberty asserted that prior to their detention, police officers did not issue any demands, did not present the grounds and reasons for their detention, and that disproportionate physical force was used during the detention process. Additionally, it was recorded that on April 25, police officers in civilian clothing also participated in detaining protesters.

The representatives of the Defender reviewed the registry of detained individuals and noted violations regarding the completion of documentation. It was also noted that individuals held at the police station were released within the time frame stipulated by the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Armenia.

The results of the aforementioned visits will be compiled in accordance with established procedures, and necessary clarifications will be requested from the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Police through appropriate correspondence.

The Defender's Office continues to conduct ongoing monitoring of gatherings and other protest actions.