Epress.am News from Armenia
The Human Rights Defender’s Office today presented newly appointed Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan’s official letter to RA Police Chief Alik Sargsyan regarding the Mar. 3 incident outside the Armenian government building in which clashes erupted between police and Heritage Party MPs Zaruhi Postanjyan and Armen Martirosyan, who were showing their support with Yerevan street vendors protesting the city’s ban on street trade.
The letter notes that on Mar. 3, 2011, the ombudsman’s office received a report from Heritage Party MPs and individuals protesting the ban on street trade outside the Armenian government building regarding human rights violations and excessive use of police powers during a peaceful demonstration.
“RA Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan and the rapid response group left for Republic Square. They didn’t see any unlawful activities — neither by police officers nor by citizens. The National Assembly deputies informed the Defender that the police had obstructed citizens’ right to hold a peaceful demonstration; moreover, as evidenced by the MPs, [officers] used force against protestors and MPs who have immunity. We state that during the verbal complaint by Heritage faction deputies addressed to the Defender, other details related to the incident were not presented. The Defender, therefore, cannot provide other details than those mentioned above to the Police,” said Andreasyan.
The Human Rights Defender asked the RA Police Chief to strive to fully and comprehensively uncover the facts related to the incident. The ombudsman, in particular, suggested not only police, but also witness testimonies be taken into account during the investigation.
Karen Andreasyan asked Alik Sargsyan to provide explanations as to what happened as soon as possible and to keep him informed of the investigation process and outcome.