Ani Samsonyan, a member of the “Bright Armenia” faction of the National Assembly, addressed the RA Chief of Police Arman Sargsyan, which reads:

“After the doctors at the forefront of the fight against coronavirus in a state of emergency, the next responsible, as well as vulnerable circle are the police, who control the isolation and self-isolation of citizens.”

The regime and efforts to prevent infection imply a number of human rights restrictions that are justified. At the same time, a number of fundamental human rights, which must be unconditionally protected, are not subject to restrictions under the State of Emergency. All measures must be taken without violating a person’s physical and mental immunity, the right to dignity, the right not to be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

These days we are witnessing cases when citizens raise their voices that the police have treated them badly, even with alarms of violence.

Citizens also testify that the police do not fully follow the instructions of the Commandant and create artificial obstacles for their movement when it is a vital necessity.

I think if you are not fully aware of the instructions for “illegal actions”, you have a problem to improve or revise the work.

Especially when the work of the Police in the circumstances of force majeure, tense situations appears under everyone’s attention and lens.

I would also like to note that strict discipline cannot be implemented if not acting legally is punished regardless of the position.

At the same time, I would like to thank all the policemen who are patiently, conscientiously and lawfully fulfilling their official duties these days.

Be healthy.

Sincerely,

Ani Samsonyan,
Deputy Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs.