Based on a number of citizens’ reports, as well as the information published in mass media, data was obtained on the apparent abuse of official authority by different units of the Police, abuse of official power accompanied by violence and on hindering attorneys’ and journalists’ lawful professional activities.
In particular, during the preparation of the materials in the Special Investigation Service information was obtained that on July 17, 2016, after invading The RA Police Department of Yerevan Police Patrol Regiment in the M. Khorenatsi street, the police officers, abusing their official position contrary to the interests of their service or intentionally taking actions beyond their competence on different days, took people from different parts of Yerevan city to Yerevan RA Police units, used violence against them, inflicted bodily damages, in addition to keeping them there illegally and longer than stipulated by law, causing significant damage to the legitimate interests of society and the state.
In addition, during the preparation of materials it was revealed that police officers, abusing their official position, impeded the legitimate professional activities of journalists and the implementation of lawyers’ authority to show legal assistance.
A criminal case was initiated under part 1 of Article 308 of the RA Criminal Code, part 2 of Article 309, part 2 of Article 164, part 1 of Article 332.3, on abuse of authority by the RA Police departments, abuse of power accompanied by violence, hindering journalists’ professional legal activities and implementation of lawyers’ authority.
A preliminary investigation is underway.
Note: The person suspected or accused of the alleged crime shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty by the court judgment lawfully entered into force as prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
