MPs Are Not Allowed to Be Deprived of Freedom: Rapid Response Group Sent to Hrazdan Police Station

As a result of monitoring of the media and social platforms by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, information was received indicating that on April 26, a group of individuals protesting on the Yerevan-Sevan highway was detained.

At the request of the Defender, a rapid response group has been sent to the Hrazdan Police Station to meet with those detained and assess the situation regarding their rights on-site.

According to published information, Member of Parliament Artur Khachatryan was also detained. During the visit, the MP informed the representatives of the Defender that he was transported to the police station by police officers from the site of the protest, and only within the administrative building of the station was he informed that no procedure had been initiated against him and he had not been detained.

The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that a Member of Parliament of the RA cannot be deprived of freedom, except when he is caught in the act of committing a crime or immediately thereafter. The Defender has addressed this issue previously and highlights the importance of adhering to this constitutional requirement.

A relevant letter will be sent to the competent authority to investigate the circumstances of the case and take necessary actions.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defender reiterates that the use of force by police officers should be according to the law, proportional, and in accordance with established procedures. The Defender also calls on participants of the gathering to exhibit restraint and comply with the requirements set by legislation. The peaceful nature of the gathering must be guaranteed.

Hayk Ghahumyan, the governor of Tavush, is in Kiran. He is attempting to negotiate with the villagers and convince them to open the road. However, the villagers refuse to open the road. The Primate of Tavush, Bishop Bagrat, is also in Kiran. The Tavush residents have blocked one of the vehicles trying to pass and demand that the individuals inside exit the vehicle. They claim, based on their information, that those inside are involved in mapping works.