5 Human Rights Defenders Commit to Protect Rights of Participants in "For the Homeland" Movement, Says Ruben Melikyan

Five human rights defenders have committed to protecting the rights of participants in the peaceful gatherings initiated by the "For the Homeland" movement. This was announced by human rights defender Ruben Melikyan.

“About 20 lawyers have joined our initiative, to whom we express our deepest gratitude. We have also launched a hotline at 095 08 87 87, which will operate around the clock,” Melikyan stated.

Here is a brief guide for participants of the peaceful gatherings initiated by the "For the Homeland" movement:

1. Follow the instructions of the gathering organizers and try not to engage with police on your own initiative, especially if you are deprived of your freedom.
2. If detained by the police, remember that you can be held for a maximum of 3 hours (in the case of administrative detention) or 6 hours (if detained on suspicion of committing a crime). Keep track of the exact time you are deprived of your freedom.
3. If you have not called in advance, politely request to call your lawyer at 095 08 87 87 as soon as you arrive at the police station.
4. When calling the hotline, provide your name, surname, and the police station.
5. Do not sign anything without your lawyer’s presence.

Human Rights Defenders:

• Ruben Melikyan
• Varazdat Harutyunyan
• Arsen Babayan
• Sergey Harutyunyan
• Vahan Hovhannisyan