VIDEO: Operative Officers Conduct Service in Covert Manner - Khachatryan

The Parliament continues to discuss the question of the package of bills presented by the Government regarding the "Police Guard" and associated legislation, set for first reading acceptance. Addressing the concerns raised by opposition MP Artsvik Minasyan, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security, Armen Khachatryan, reiterated that the police have different forms of service, one of which is covert or undercover service - both overt and secret.

“Operative officers primarily carry out their duties in a covert manner, and if an operative officer were to display any insignia or denote anywhere that he is an operative officer, it would become ridiculous, exposing that operativeness and secrecy,” stated Khachatryan. He added that there are operative officers who are prohibited from appearing in public places at all, even in banks, and are not allowed to present themselves even if stopped by police or arrested.

“Naturally, in that risky environment, where thousands of people are present, tomorrow, if an incident occurs involving a crime, you will ask, ‘where was the police, where were our operatives?’ You will accuse us. Therefore, operative officers perform their duties, and when an operative officer approaches administration, gives certain instructions or takes actions, he then presents himself as staff, showing the relevant badge or identification,” Khachatryan explained. “However, if conducting service, gathering, or analyzing operative situations, he does not present himself.”

Regarding Minasyan’s statement that the police guard tortures the people, Khachatryan posed a question: “Can you imagine if in the most developed countries in Europe, protesters exhibited the kind of behavior that we see here, what the police response would be?”

“When the police have exhausted all possible means to restore or ensure public order, and their commands are no longer being followed, they are obliged to use force, and that force is lawful, as stipulated by law,” emphasized Khachatryan.

Concerning the defense of the homeland, he highlighted that many police officers have sacrificed their lives for the protection of the homeland, participating in all wars, and police officers have been the first victims. “This law has a provision, Mr. Minasyan, if you had studied it, which addresses the issue during a state of war,” Khachatryan pointed out.

It should be noted that Minasyan stated that the police unjustifiably and massively intervene in the holding of peaceful assemblies and also spoke about incidents of police officers wearing uniforms and insignia while maintaining public order, asserting that these norms are also being violated.