‘The police acted professionally and tolerantly, perhaps excessively tolerant’ – Armen Khachatryan

In my observation, the actions of the police were legitimate and perhaps even overly tolerant because, in the context of mass disorder, the police were obliged to apply special measures. This was stated today, on June 14, during a conversation with reporters at the National Assembly by National Assembly member of the Civil Contract faction, Armen Khachatryan, referring to the clashes that occurred between protesters and the police at the intersection of Demirchyan and Proshyan streets on June 3.

‘That was one of the mildest special measures that could have been applied at that moment. But to evaluate the actions of the police, let’s go back 1.5 months; for already 1.5 months, the police have been working around the clock to maintain public order, and at no time have they used special measures, not even special protective equipment such as helmets, rubber batons, etc. However, when we saw that the actions of the police led to mass disturbances, meaning the police's actions did not prevent mass disorders, therefore, the police had to toughen their tactics, which they did. Although it wasn't excessively tough, the police themselves suffered more from all this. I repeat, the police acted professionally and tolerantly, perhaps excessively tolerantly,’ he said.

Armen Khachatryan admitted that some individuals were harmed by the application of these special measures, adding that internal investigations are underway regarding this issue.