MIP Considers the Presence of Snipers by the State Inappropriate

The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, made a statement on his Facebook page regarding the presence of snipers during today's gathering at the National Assembly.

“The staff of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia has received reports that snipers are clearly visible from the windows of the National Assembly towards the gathering on Baghramyan Avenue. Similar public concerns have also been recorded. The Defender's office is conducting an assessment through media sources and at the gathering location, where there are also children and elderly individuals. The explicit display of firearms from the windows of the National Assembly building, including the demonstrative presence of snipers in military uniforms, is an inappropriate security measure exercised by the state in the current situation on Baghramyan Avenue. The state can implement security measures, but they must consider the specific situation in each case and should not be such that they prevent participation in the peaceful gathering or cause anxiety,” Tatoyan stated.