Over 40 Members of 'Combat Brotherhood' Group Detained in Yerevan and Voskepar - Arman Tatoyan

Today, reports have reached us indicating that the police are unlawfully detaining members of the 'Combat Brotherhood' group on suspicions of committing the offense of 'illegally carrying weapons and ammunition,' former Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page.

According to the reports, about a week before today's police actions, the group had notified the relevant authorities regarding their planned visit to Voskepar. Starting March 22, which is Friday, members of the group received phone calls from the police inviting them for discussions. Most did not attend, stating that the invitations were illegal.

According to reports we have received, yesterday group members were warned by the police that no one from the group would reach Voskepar if they decide to carry out their visit. The police informed them via threats that since the 'Combat Brotherhood' conducts military trainings, this alone would lead to the public perception that the group is actually carrying illegal weapons and ammunition. Therefore, they would also not have public support.

Considering the warnings about being detained and the threats of forming a fictitious public opinion, none of their members carried any kind of legal weapons or ammunition during their journey to Voskepar.

The reports assert that 'Combat Brotherhood' has had the corresponding permissions and a signed memorandum with the Noyemberyan municipality for conducting trainings for over a year, and they possess all necessary permits for the weapons they use.

This morning, at the agreed meeting point for members of the group located at 60 Abovyan Street in Yerevan, police representatives were already waiting, where all present members were detained. Those members who had participated in the war and/or previous military operations and have some public recognition were detained right from their homes or as they were stepping out of their houses.

More than 40 members were detained both in Yerevan and Voskepar. The police representatives in Voskepar informed some of them that their presence there was not advisable.

Reports indicate that the police used disproportionate force during the detentions, which violates the law. In addition to detaining the group members, according to the representatives of the group, the police have begun searches that, according to reports, are being conducted without appropriate court orders.

The detained individuals were not given the opportunity to make calls or notify anyone. Ensuring these rights is a significant international requirement. Their violation is unacceptable and aimed at protecting individuals from illegal detention or unlawful criminal prosecution.

This report is based on verified information from several sources,

- Arman Tatoyan.