Restrictions Imposed on People's Real Estate Without Court Decisions, Lawyer Alerts

Cases have increased where restrictions are imposed on properties owned by individuals without a court decision, particularly on real estate units that serve as the sole source of income for families. This was stated by lawyer Arsen Mkrtchyan on his Facebook page, addressing the Prosecutor General of Armenia Arthur Davtyan, the heads of investigative bodies, and the Director of the NSS Arthur Vanetsyan.

“There have been frequent occurrences, if not total, of cases where investigators coerce confessional statements from citizens under the pretext of conducting expert examinations for extended periods. Movable property is confiscated and remains without any effort to ensure that the investigative action (examination) is at least assigned, and without a court decision, restrictions are being imposed on real estate units belonging to individuals, which serve as the only source of income for their families,” the lawyer stated.

According to him, investigators never take measures to preserve the property of those with imposed restrictions, nor do they consider the existence of family members left without care, announcing the confiscation of a citizen’s passport (as a witness) without filing charges and/or choosing a preventive measure.

“Dear gentlemen, I believe the time has come for the necessary orders and circulars to prevent such abuses and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in our country, which could lead to further negative manifestations and consequences internationally as part of anti-corruption measures,” the lawyer concluded. He added that he would provide specific case numbers and data of investigators upon request, as well as asking fellow lawyers to do the same.