Dorota Dlouchy – Suliga, Head of Division at European External Action Service responded to my letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the events that took place on Baghramyan Avenue on June 12.
In the letter, I mentioned how the police forces used disproportionate force against the citizens who were carrying out a peaceful demonstration. I presented the events with facts. For example, a “Zarya 3” type grenade was used at the scene of the incident, which is not detonable according to the order N 09 “On setting the permissible standards for the use of special measures against a person”. The police of Republic of Armenia could use only “Zarya” and “Zarya-2” sonic grenades.
Dorota Dlucci-Suliga, head of Division at European External Action Service, thanked me for my letter, stating in a reply letter:
“I am writing to respond to a letter of 26 June 2024 you have sent to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in which you raise your concerns about police violence in Armenia.
Peaceful demonstrations have a place in all democracies. Respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression and human rights is a commitment that both Armenia and the EU share.
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I assure you that we follow the reports on use of force by the police against protestors. Any police response to maintain public order must comply with the principle of proportionality and other international standards. It is important that any alleged police violence is thoroughly investigated, and that perpetrators are held accountable. At the same time we call the protestors to remain calm and avoid any kind of provocations.
Human rights, political freedom and rule of law are the backbone of democracy, and underpin the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Thus, as we strengthen EU- Armenia relations, human rights, democracy and rule of law will remain key pillars of our cooperation.”
This is what Dorota Dlucci-Suliga, head of the European Service for External Actions of the EU, said in her letter.
P․S. I have sent such letters to both my Armenian and international colleagues. I will publish the responses as needed.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of RA, whose powers have been illegally terminated, nonpartisan MP TAGUHI TOVMASYAN
