Administrative Proceedings Initiated Against Stepanakert Resident for Facebook Post

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh reports: “The police department of the city of Stepanakert has initiated administrative proceedings against a resident of Stepanakert under the provisions of the Administrative Code regarding violations. 

M.S., the user, made a post on the social media platform Facebook on December 26, 2022, stating: “According to the information I have received, there are reports from military units of the Defense Army regarding issues with food supply, specifically the military units stationed in the Martakert region are not receiving sufficient quantities of food that meet quality standards from the supplier. I urge the relevant authorities to address this issue.” 

Considering that the President of the Republic of Artsakh's decree No. 2754-N dated August 12, 2021, prohibits propaganda directed against the defense capability and security of the Republic of Artsakh during the declared state of emergency, M.S.'s actions are found to have the characteristics of an administrative offense under part 6 of article 182.5 of the Administrative Code, which prohibits individuals not engaged in journalistic activities from violating regulations on the publication or dissemination of information during a state of emergency or violating the rules of freedom of expression.

The National Police urges all citizens to refrain from making posts related to the defense capability of the Republic of Artsakh in the social sphere and from similar manifestations that undermine security.