Human rights defenders criticize dispersal of protest against construction in Yerevan

Human rights and public organizations of Armenia claim that the policemen should be punished for beating and unjustified detention of the activists protesting against the construction of a multi-storey building. According to the Armenian Ombudsman, the police had no reason to use force.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on August 20, a clash took place in Yerevan between opponents of the construction of the high-rise house and the police. At least four persons were detained. One of the policemen hit a teenager at the protest action, and the boy was hospitalized.

About 20 NGOs supported tenants of the “Fizgorodok” residential microdistrict. In 2005, the development area was illegally privatized and then changed owner several times, which is why the construction was delayed, the NGOs claims in their statement.

The NGOs emphasize that this is not the first time when the authorities connive with illegal transactions concluded in the past and protect someone’s personal interests. Authors of the statement request the Yerevan Mayoralty to reconsider the decision on the privatization of the territory, revoke the building permit, and prosecute the employees who used force against the protesters.

Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan noted on Facebook that the police had no right to use force without legal grounds.