The Defender makes maximum efforts to ensure the full realization and protection of the rights of demonstrators and other citizens operating in an emergency regime. The Police and other state bodies are obligated to ensure the full exercise of the right of citizens to peaceful assembly, excluding any violation of right.
Please take into account, that difficulties or obstacles to the performance of functions by the competent authorities are problematic in terms of the effective exercise of the rights of citizens. It is concerning that the roads, which are of vital importance for the country, are closed. I demand from all representatives of public authorities, whose activities are linked with state’s vital functions, protection and safety of people, to be strictly alert and fulfill the obligations prescribed by the law. With your important work you are called to guarantee rights of not only protestors, but also other citizens.
In the existing conditions, it is everyone’s duty to make all the immediate efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation. Therefore, I call on all the participants of the process to show tolerance and responsible behavior, refrain from acts leading to human rights violations and disproportionate restrictions.
I ask journalists to continue paying more attention to the verification of the disseminated information, as well as to the choice of headlines.
Arman Tatoyan
The Human Rights Defender of Armenia