Armenian ombudsman calls for solidarity and consolidation during these 'fateful days’
The Armenian Human Rights Defender’s (Ombudsman) Office summarized the results of the visits to the police and the National Security Service in a statement on Wednesday. The statement reads:
"Since early this morning, the Human Rights Defender himself personally, and the ombudsman's rapid response groups have been visiting the police and the National Security Service in regard the apprehension of people from Freedom Square in Yerevan. The defender's work on these issues continues.
The direct attention of the Human Rights Defender is on the application of the of the martial law and the requirements of the government decisions by the law enforcement bodies. Moreover, it is necessary to adhere strictly to the procedure of apprehension and the constitutional requirements for the protection of individual rights.
The explanations of the law enforcement bodies that criminal proceedings have been initiated under Articles 225.1 and 307.1 of the Criminal Code have been taken into account which respectively refer to the organization and holding of a rally in violation of the law, as well as to the measures in force during the legal regime of martial law, to the violation of temporary restrictions.
The Human Rights Defender particularly emphasizes that the mentioned criminal proceedings, as well as the issues of protection of the rights of specific persons under those proceedings, are under his direct attention.
Yesterday and today, the Human Rights Defender held consultations with the Minister of Defense, the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and the heads of law enforcement agencies.
It is obvious that our country needs solidarity and consolidation during these fateful days.
More than ever our every step must be aimed at ensuring stability of the country and the strengthening of the statehood. It should be aimed at the protecting the lives and the health of our soldiers.
The Human Rights Defender continues to exercise his mandate to the maximum extent possible, with an equal approach to all issues."