Use of force against the participants of peaceful protest action who were against the increase of electricity price is unlawful and thus the right of the citizens to peaceful assembly, which is provided by Article 29 of the Constitution, was violated. Arnold Vardanyan, Legal Advisor of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association said this in the interview with Iravaban.net.
“It should be noted that the use of the water Cannon machines in general was also done in violation of a number of requirements provided by law. The requirements of the “Law on Police” the “Law on Police Service, and the Rules of Ethics of Police were violated, as there were underage children among the protestors,” Arnold Vardanyan said.
He also noted that in this case there is an obvious violation of the provision of Article 11 of the European Convention providing the freedom of peaceful assembly of people.
Even in a number of decisions ruled by the European Court against the Republic of Armenia, such as: “Galstyan v. Armenia”, Sepeyan v. Armenia”, “Tadevosyan v. Armenia” it is mentioned that the presence of intervention is clarified through the following three questions: “Whether the interference was prescribed by law?” “Whether it pursued a legitimate objective?” and “Whether it was necessary in a democratic society to achieve these objectives?” According to Arnold Vardanyan comparing the performance and standards we come to a conclusion that the fact of violation of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly had taken place.
A. Vardanyan touched upon the reasons of the public upraise as well. The authorities fail to present credible evidence proving the increase in prices, while there are numerous reports of abuses committed by the Electric Networks of Armenia.
“It is possible to conduct one audit of ENA and to give a reasoned response to the citizens. The Audit shall dispel or deny all the doubts regarding the existence of corruption. While in the created situation the fairness of increase electricity tariff remains open,” Arnold Vardanyan said.
