Anahit Manasyan on the Demarcation of the School in Kiran

“In order to assess whether there is an unlawful restriction of rights in this specific situation, I need a justification, according to which the right of individuals has been limited,” said Anahit Manasyan, the Human Rights Defender, while answering questions from journalists in the National Assembly regarding the ban on a clergyman entering the village of Kiran.

She noted that verbal explanations are not sufficient; there needs to be an official clarification because they are dealing with state institutions, and a final assessment can only be made after receiving an official clarification regarding the grounds and proportionality of the restrictions on rights.

“We have appealed to the police, and based on the responses we receive, we will understand which other bodies we need to address,” said the Human Rights Defender.

Regarding the actions of the police in Tavush and the detention of minors, she mentioned, “In certain cases, the process of restricting individuals' freedom or the use of force has manifested itself through apparently disproportionate use of force. Naturally, the competent authorities should pay adequate attention to this circumstance and improve practices in the future.

I should mention in relation to minors that the best interests of the child should be considered by the relevant state authorities, as well as by the organizers and participants of assemblies.”

When asked how the protection of children would be ensured after the school in Kiran is demarcated near the Azerbaijani border, she replied, “If the school is to be operated in that location, the safety of children and all possible rights must be guaranteed. I have raised issues related to all schools. We have schools in all border communities that are currently under observation; if we follow the same logic, it raises questions and concerns that I have addressed and demanded that they be resolved.”

To the question, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan mentions that if the area of the school is visible to the Azerbaijani side, they could, for example, plant trees for concealment, whether planting trees could be a solution, Anahit Manasyan stated, “That is not a question within my jurisdiction.”