RA Police respond to NGOs’ statement over Vanadzor incident.

In connection with the April 16 protest against the Azerbaijani film festival in Vanadzor and the subsequent attack against the Helsinki Civil Assembly’s office, the Armenian Police has issued a statement, responding to the NGO’s request to consider the matter.

The Police says it has launched a probe into the incident and promises to inform the public of new developments.

“The Armenian Police has mentioned several times on this occasion that the process of exercising rights is not protected by freedom of assembly in a self-reliant manner, because the right to freedom of assembly rules out the compulsory realization of those demands by the participants of assemblies. Such measures may give rise to administrative liability. Moreover, the protection of one’s own views through compulsory actions against other individuals or their property is not permissible,” reads the statement.

The Police praises the NGOs’ initiative, expressing willingness to collaborate with them to resolve the circumstances of the April 16 incident.