Discussion Procedure Initiated Regarding Violence Against Human Rights Defender: Ombudsman

According to widespread information, an employee of the criminal investigation department of the Mus district has attacked human rights defender Karapet Poghosyan in a shop in Gyumri. This was reported by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia.

“In connection with the incident, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan has initiated a discussion procedure on her own initiative. Corresponding letters will be sent to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, demanding a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances of the mentioned incident.

The Ombudsman once again emphasizes that any manifestation of violence is absolutely unacceptable and condemnable. This consideration is of crucial importance for every representative of law enforcement bodies,” the statement reads.

It is noteworthy that the Gyumri-based human rights defender, Karapet Poghosyan, reported the day before that he was attacked by a police officer.

“Artak Poghosyan, an employee of the Mus district police's criminal investigation department, attacked me with blatant cynicism, manifesting a clear display of hooliganism, in the shop located on P. Sevak street in Gyumri, where cameras are also present,” Poghosyan specifically noted.