On 11 July, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Vahe Ghazaryan received the Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia Simon Babayan, the Head of the Office of the Public Defender Gevorg Mkrtchyan and the Director of the Law School of the Republic of Armenia Ara Zohrabyan.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.

Chief of Police-Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Police Major General Aram Hovhannisyan, Head of Internal Security Department of the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police Colonel Vaghinak Martirosyan were present at the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, the parties adopted a joint statement, which is presented below:

Statement

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia, discussing the incidents involving policemen and lawyers recorded in the Erebuni and Central Departments of the Yerevan Police Department in February and June 2023, announce:

1. The parties emphasize the role of advocacy and police institutions in the legal system of Armenia.
2. The parties consider any manifestation of violence unacceptable.
3. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, based on the results of official investigations, gave its assessment to the incident that happened in the Erebuni department, and the incident that happened in the Central department is in the process of official investigation.
4. The Ministry of Internal Affairs assures that the actions of the police officers involved in the incidents will be given a proper legal assessment, ensuring a comprehensive, full and objective investigation.
5. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Chamber of Advocates will establish a committee composed of police officers and lawyers in order to respond promptly in such situations, to organize mutual discussions, training courses, as well as to discuss issues related to the conduct of police officers and lawyers.
6. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Chamber of Advocates will sign a memorandum of cooperation in the coming days.