Use of disproportionate force by police officers is absolutely not acceptable – HRD

Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan condemned clashes between citizens and police officers that took place near the MFA building and urged both sides to refrain from any attempt to escalate the situation.

The Defender stressed that the use of disproportionate force by police officers is not acceptable under any circumstances. The use of force is possible only if there are grounds established by law in compliance with the criteria of proportionality. At the same time, the organizers and participants of the rally bear the responsibility for ensuring the peaceful course of the rally and must exercise restraint and observe the requirements established by law.

The Defender once again urged the competent state bodies as well as the organizers and participants of the rally to ensure the peaceful course of the rally and abide by legal rules.