Statement regarding March 14, 2013 Illegal Actions of the Police in the Liberty Square

On March 14, 2013 once again the RA Police impeded through illegal force application the putting up of a tent for RA Presidential candidate Raffi Hovhannisyan at Liberty square, who had been on a hunger strike since March 10 of 2013. Deputies of the RA National Assembly, political activists, journalists, citizens and representatives from a number of NGOs were present during the incident. Representatives of RA Human Rights Defender were also present and assessed the actions undertaken by the Police as unlawful; however, this estimation didn’t anyhow impact on the illegal actions of the Police.

We find that such working style of the Police is greatly aggravating the current situation and by its actions is held fully liable for the future possible undesirable consequences.

By this statement we demand that:

RA Chief of Police Vladimir Gasparyan to immediately terminate the illegal actions carried out by his subordinates.
To hold liable the police officials implementing illegal actions during the aforementioned incident
To ensure the immediate putting up of the tent for RA Presidential candidate Raffi Hovhannisyan holding a hunger strike at the Liberty square.
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor NGO
Journalists’ Club “Asparez”
Transparency International Anti-corruption Center
Helsinki Committee of Armenia NGO
Women’s Resource Center NGO
Public Information and Need of Knowledge NGO
“The A.D.Sakharov Armenian Human Rights Protection Center” NGO
“Menk +” NGO
New Generation NGO
Guarantee Center of Civil Society NGO
“Spitak Helsinki Group” NGO
“Borders of our Rights” NGO
“Yerevan Center for Human Rights Protection” NGO
“Rule of Law” NGO
“Journalists for Human Rights” NGO
“Martuni Women’s Community Council” NGO
“Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Speech” NGO
Khoran Ard Intelectual Center NGO
Trtu Cultural NGO
Victims of State Needs NGO
Foundation Against Violation of Law NGO Sisian Branch