Human Rights Defender Initiates Discussion Procedure Regarding Violence Against Citizen by Police

The Human Rights Defender's hotline received a call from a lawyer on the night of August 30-31 regarding an incident of violence against a citizen at the Shengavit Police Department. This was reported by the Human Rights Defender's office.

Following the Defender's instructions, a rapid response team immediately went to the police department to familiarize themselves with the situation on the ground. It was found that the individual had been transferred to the "Erebuni" medical center for medical assistance.

It was also established that after receiving medical care, the individual was arrested within the framework of the initiated criminal proceedings and transferred to a detention facility in Yerevan.

On September 1, representatives of the Defender also visited the Detention Facility. A private conversation was held with the deprived of liberty individual, and their medical and other documents were examined.

The official statement presented by the National Police regarding the incident was also taken into account.

At the same time, the Defender has independently initiated a discussion procedure, within the framework of which relevant letters will be sent to the competent state bodies demanding clarifications.

The Human Rights Defender reiterates that any manifestation of violence is severely condemnable, and the competent state bodies are obliged to conduct a proper investigation for each specific case, including the legality of police officers' actions.

Issues related to the protection of the rights of the deprived of liberty, including the conduct of an objective, comprehensive, and thorough investigation, are under the immediate attention of the Defender.

It is worth reminding that earlier, Daniel Ioannisyan reported that police officers had assaulted a citizen. It should be noted that the police have provided clarifications regarding the incident.