Armenian authorities must immediately stop the disproportionate use of force against protestors and bring to justice those responsible for the violence
17:38, August 4, 2016 | Announcements, JointMr President of the Republic of Armenia,
57 NGOs from 11 Human Rights Houses, all members of the Human Rights House Network, signed a letter, which we address to you, the Chief of the Police, the Prosecutor General, and the Head of the Special Investigation Service. We are deeply concerned about the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protestors, in connection with “Erebuni” protests that began on 17 July.
We, the undersigned members and partners of the Human Rights House Network (HRHN), are deeply concerned about the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protestors, in connection with “Erebuni” protests that began on 17 July.
We call upon law enforcement to respect the right to peaceful assembly, immediately stop the disproportionate use of force and end the unlawful detention of protestors. The State must only use force as a last resort and in a proportionate manner against violent elements. We call upon you to take all necessary steps, including meetings and negotiations with civil society, to prevent the use of force against peaceful protestors.
Mass protests and arrests by police began in Yerevan on 17 July 2016, sparked by the shooting of a police officer, the taking of hostages, and the armed occupation of a police station in the Erebuni district by the group Sasna Dzrer. This group of veterans of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict occupied the police station until 1 August. We condemn the use of violence by civilians.
Please find the full letter attached