The incidents that took place on the intersection of Proshyan-Demirchyan streets in Yerevan on the evening of 03.06.2022 were at the center of the Human Rights Defender’s attention.

During the incident, the rapid response groups of the Human Rights Defender visited the relevant Police stations and conducted an analysis of the publications of mass media outlets and the disseminated videos.

Therefore, in relation to the mentioned incidents, the Defender registers the following:

1. The Police implemented special measures, using smoke and/or stun grenades. The Defender has already demanded explanations from the Police about the types of the special measures used, their compliance with the permissible criteria for use, as well as the need, proportionality and suitability of their use in the given situation.

The Defender notes that according to the legislation of Armenia, the use of special measures by the Police must have a legitimate purpose, and it must be strictly proportionate. The use of special measures in each case should be an exceptional measure to achieve the goals pursued by its application. 

Moreover, prior to implementing special measures, Police servicemen should warn about it, providing sufficient time for persons to comply with their legal demands, with the exception of those cases when the delay in their implementation poses an immediate threat to the life and health of citizens or Police servicemen, or can result in grave consequences, or when such a warning is impossible.