Don't Dare to Show Such Open Disrespect Again: Tatoyan

The head of the State Protection Service and his subordinates. This was stated by the former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, on his Facebook page.

“Do not dare to show such open disrespect towards citizens again. This is a gross violation of the law, and you do not have the right to do this. Enough! Do not dare to use violence against journalists conducting their professional activities or to obstruct their work with such contemptuous behavior. Any manifestation of violence by police officers or any public servant performing duties in public places must be strictly excluded. This is strictly prohibited by law.

Moreover, any action that violates the law, including any form of disrespect or insult towards a citizen, must be excluded outside the scope of one’s status. Police should not engage in ‘boyish’ conversations or ‘sorting things out’ with organizers or participants of gatherings or other events under any circumstances. They must act within the limits of their legal status exclusively.

I urge citizens, if you see that others are trying to provoke violence or in cases where violence is already occurring, you must immediately inform the Police to prevent this through legal procedures or to isolate these individuals. This is a function of the state, and specifically, a duty of the Police.

Dear compatriots, I also ask you to refrain from insults and words that humiliate dignity in your relations with the police. This further escalates the atmosphere,” he wrote.