Aram Vardevanyan Presents Rights of Protest Participants

Member of the National Assembly from the 'Hayastan' faction, Aram Vardevanyan, has presented information regarding the rights of participants in gatherings, marches, and acts of civil disobedience.

1) Conducting protests is your right, and no one will be held accountable for it.

2) When carrying out a civil disobedience action on the streets (for example, blocking a street), if a police officer makes a legal and proper demand using a loudspeaker, it is your right to continue the gathering in a marching format.

3) Be respectful and patient with drivers. Remind the police that they are obliged to support peaceful assemblies according to Article 32, Part 2 of the Law on Freedom of Assemblies.

4) The action must be peaceful. Remember, this government has divided the people into black and white, and we will ensure unity and hold the divisive accountable. Always be aware that provocateurs exist; photograph or report them to the police when you identify them, but do not fall for provocations.

5) In case of unprofessional behavior from police officers, do not retaliate, but demand the presence of their commander and report the specific officer's behavior.

6) No one will arrest you, and there will be no criminal implications. Administrative detention is the only repressive tool, which will not last more than three hours. Be informed that all police departments will be visited by our partner lawyers. In police stations, you have the right not to answer, not to sign anything, and to exercise your right to call.

I have the impression that some members of the ruling party and certain police officers are unaware of these rights. Utilize your rights, gentlemen; ignorance will not absolve you of responsibility in this case. We are strong, we unite, with God's help.

- Vardevanyan wrote on his Facebook page.