Why Are There No Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh?
This special report documents how ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh were
28.05.2024
On May 27, 2024, during the protests, the actions of the RA police aimed at maintaining public order were accompanied by the mass detention of participants, violence against some participants, and cases of unlawful use of measures. Violence was also used against a member of the RA National Assembly near the ARF party office.
The specific reasons, objectives, and considerations related to maintaining public order that prompted the officers from the police special unit to appear near the party office remain unclear. However, it is clear that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia is obliged to explain and justify the presence and actions of the large number of police officers there.
As previously noted, the habitual conduct of law enforcement officers remains unchanged: they continue to engage in unlawful and disproportionate use of force, illegal detentions, and violations of the right to liberty during the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly. The use of such methods by the police is the result of a longstanding policy of impunity within the system, leading to the use of violent force becoming the main tool of the police.
The rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are recognized as fundamental human rights. Every individual is entitled to organize and participate in peaceful assemblies within the confines of the law, which are essential elements of democracy. Citizens have the right to peacefully express their views without fear of police violence. In response to violations of public order or improper or provocative actions by protesters, law enforcement officers are mandated to act strictly within the legal framework. The purpose of this measure is to remove particular individuals from the assembly and ensure the gathering proceeds peacefully. Improper behavior by protesters cannot in any way justify the unlawful actions of police officers.
We unequivocally condemn all instances and manifestations of violence by law enforcement agencies. We demand that the personnel of Armenia’s law enforcement bodies act strictly within the bounds of the law, with respect for human rights, and in accordance with the principles of maintaining public order in a democratic state. Reaffirming our previous calls for radical reforms within the police system, we demand:
In conditions of public and political confrontation, the only way to prevent further tensions is the strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law and equal accountability before the law for all. Actions that violate human rights and exacerbate tensions or propagate hate speech must be avoided.
Having a police force that meets the standards of a democratic state remains a top priority on the agenda.
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office
Transparency International Anticorruption Center
Protection of Rights without Borders NGO
Law Development and Protection Foundation
Democracy Development Foundation
This special report documents how ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh were
2024թ․ նոյեմբերին Բաքվում կանցկացվի ՄԱԿ-ի Կլիմայի փոփոխության մասին շրջանակային կոնվենցիայի
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, welcome the start of
“Why Are There No Armenians In Nagorno-Karabakh?” fact-finding report was