Investigators admit abuse of power by police at dispersal of protesters in Yerevan

The Special Investigation Service of Armenia has declared the unlawful use of force against protesters on June 23, and the institution of a criminal case in this context.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that since June 19 Armenia holds mass protests against the authorities' decision to raise the electricity tariff. The largest action is taking place in Bagramyan Avenue in Yerevan. At night on June 23, the police undertook a dispersal of protesters. In the morning on June 23, around 240 people were detained, including several journalists. Activists assert that 25 persons addressed for medical help.

The legality of the police's actions on June 23 in Yerevan will be checked by the Special Investigation Service, said Gevorg Kostanyan, the General Public Prosecutor of Armenia.

As reported by the press service of the above Service, a criminal case was opened on preventing of journalists' professional activities, abuse of power, accompanied by violence and intentional damage or destruction of others' property. Investigators have examined media reports and videos of the course of special actions aimed to stop the demonstration in Bagramyan Avenue on June 23 and in the following days.

Let us note here that 16 Armenian citizens, who were among dispersed protesters, filed a complaint against the police to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.