Draft Law on Installing Surveillance Systems in Public Places Withdrawn: Ministry of Internal Affairs

The legislative package for the installation of surveillance systems in public areas of Armenia has been withdrawn from circulation. This information was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Armenia.

The MIA emphasizes that the legislative package has been removed from the agenda and will no longer be discussed in this context. The Ministry has proposed a new approach to the project, which has been deemed acceptable by several interested parties, allowing the MIA access to the surveillance systems of local self-governments and state bodies.

Officials from the MIA stated they are ready to hold meetings and discussions with all relevant entities interested in this new initiative to implement the process in a coordinated manner.

It is worth mentioning that the previous draft proposed allowing the MIA access to the recording devices of various businesses, including banks, credit organizations, pawnshops, pharmacies, currency exchange points, postal services, public electronic communication service areas, educational institutions, and several other facilities.

The discussion also included trade centers with areas exceeding 100 square meters, liquid fuel retail points, as well as public catering facilities with an area larger than 50 square meters.

Earlier, during a session of the Permanent Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly, former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan presented the legislative package proposed by the government and MP Hayk Sargsyan from the ruling Civil Contract Party, mentioning plans to also install surveillance systems in ambulances and public transport.