Statement from the Chamber of Advocates on the Obstruction of Lawyers' Access to Police Departments

The Committee for the Protection of Lawyers' Rights of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia held an urgent discussion today regarding the complaint filed by lawyer Suzanna Khchyan, concerning the obstruction of her professional activities by officers of the Shengavit Division of the Yerevan City Police.

The lawyer specifically reported that the police officers of the mentioned division had prevented her from entering the police department for an extended period (more than an hour), thereby restricting her freedom to provide legal assistance to her client, who had been detained. Regarding the situation, the lawyer submitted a report to the Yerevan Operational Management Center of the Police (1-02) and the Office of the Human Rights Defender, and additionally provided regular updates to the coordinator of the lawyer group established by the Chamber of Advocates for providing primary legal assistance to the detained citizens.

The police officers cited the lack of desire of the detained individual to receive legal assistance as a reason for blocking the lawyer’s entry, which the lawyer claims was refuted during her personal meeting with her client, for whom she assumed responsibility.

Later, after transferring her client to another police department, the police officers also attempted to obstruct the lawyer's exit from the administrative building of the police department.

The information provided by the lawyer has also been confirmed by data from the coordinator of the lawyer group established by the Chamber of Advocates and the Office of the Human Rights Defender.

Considering the presented factual circumstances and noting the reports from the coordinator regarding recent incidents of obstructing lawyers' access to police departments for various reasons, the Committee for the Protection of Lawyers' Rights of the Chamber of Advocates strongly condemns any manifestation of hindering the professional activities of a lawyer. It reminds that such conduct directly jeopardizes the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution. The police officers are urged to strictly adhere to legislative requirements. The Police of Armenia is called upon to take measures to prevent similar incidents and hold accountable those responsible.