Police Have the Legal Authority to Use Force When Necessary, Says Police Chief

The legality of the actions of police officers detaining a citizen for not wearing a mask will be thoroughly examined, but I consider it justified, as they are merely asking the citizen to comply with the requirements of the government decree, said Armenian Police Chief Arman Sargsyan today.

"The citizen who attempts to rebel against the rules of coexistence and provokes police officers to get involved in certain issues is met with appropriate action by the police. If the same actions were taken against someone who hasn’t done anything, that police officer would undoubtedly be punished for violating the dignity of the person. At the same time, the police have the legal authority to use force, and they should apply it where necessary," the police chief stated.