We condemn excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, welcome reports on beginning investigations. U.S. Embassy Yerevan Ambassador to Armenia replies to my letter
As I earlier announced, regarding the use of special means by RA policemen on June 3 I had urgently addressed my international colleagues, Ambassadors accredited in Armenia. I voiced about the alarms by the specialists according to which the expiration date of the used special means had already been over and in congruence with the professionals’ reviews the expired ammunition appeared to be a reason for the severity of the injuries of protestors and policemen. I also informed my colleagues that as oppositionists confirm, the police didn’t inform the protestors about the use of special means in advance.
I requested to hold the mentioned pressing issues under special attention, make public comments on the inadmissible operations by the Police of Armenia against people raising their voice of protest, as public word could have a preventive influence.
I got the next reply from the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, H.E. Lynne Tracy, who informs: “The United States is a staunch supporter of freedom of expression and the right to peacefully protest. At the same time, we condemn provocative actions and threats against law enforcement officials, as well as excessive use of force by the latter. We welcome reports the government has begun investigations into some cases of excessive use of force. It is important that such investigations continue and that those responsible for abuses are held to account.
I can only hope the initiated investigations will not be formal in nature and law enforcement taking illegal actions, using violent force will be punished. Otherwise it will turn out that Nikol Pashinyan’s authority welcomes initiation of criminal cases to close the eyes of the international community, and thus statistics is provided but we don’t see results. In its turn, a formal penalty is meaningless.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs, nonpartisan Taguhi Tovmasyan