Lemkin Institute, Amnesty International condemn violence by Armenian law enforcement officers against peaceful protesters
ArmInfo.The Lemkin Institute for the Prevention of Genocide condemned violence against peaceful protesters and journalists by law enforcement officers during a protest on June 12 in front of the Armenian parliament building.
"On June 12th, during the ongoing anti-government protests in Yerevan, police used brute force, including the deployment of dozens of smoke and stun grenades aimed directly at people in the crowd, injuring almost a hundred people, including journalists from a number of news services. Law enforcement claims that police suffered minor injuries. Alarmingly, the authorities, along with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, have defended these police actions. As we have stated numerous times over, freedom of speech and assembly are fundamental human rights and core principles of inclusive and equitable societies. They are also critical tools for genocide prevention, as these rights empower individuals and communities to speak out against injustices and demand accountability from their governments. By ensuring that people can voice their concerns and mobilize collectively, societies are better equipped to address and mitigate factors contributing to genocidal processes. Thus, the Lemkin Institute is disturbed by the aggressive dispersal tactics used against protesters and journalists in Yerevan on June 12, which contradict Armenia's proclaimed commitment to peace, democratic principles, and human rights. This commitment should mean safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, not suppressing dissent through violence and bloodshed," the Institute said in a statement.
The international human rights organization Amnesty International also condemned the actions of the police.
"Reacting to reports of violent clashes between protesters and police in Armenia's capital Yerevan, which resulted in numerous injuries and detentions, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International's South Caucasus Researcher, said: "The level of violence during the latest street rally in Yerevan is deeply worrying. We call on the Armenian authorities to immediately and impartially investigate what happened, including allegations that the police may have used unnecessary or excessive force." "The authorities' response to protests, even when they turn violent, must be strictly compliant with international human rights law and standards. Law enforcement officials should avoid the use of force; where this is not possible, force should only be used when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective, and to the minimum extent necessary," the Organization emphasized.
On June 12, the police used disproportionate and unprovoked force against peaceful protesters near the government building. Flashbang grenades and other special means were used. According to official data, over 100 people were injured. According to available information, as a result of the use of special means, about 10 media representatives were injured, and editorial equipment was damaged. The media have distributed footage showing a deliberate strike of flashbang grenades in the direction of journalists and cameramen working at the protest site. Moreover, many footages where dozens of policemen are brutally beating the protester, who is trying to protect his head and face with his hands, have been spread on the World Wide Web. The Chief of Police of Armenia justified these actions of the police, assuring that the protesters did not obey the lawful demands of law enforcement officers. However, video footage of the incidents indicates the opposite.