Ombudsman condemns harassment against political figures
Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan has expressed his deep concerns about the recent arson attacks on citizens’ vehicles, the assaults on citizens and beatings in Yerevan. “Representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office visited [freedom fighter] Suren Sargsyan and [opposition lawmaker] Aram Manukyan who were attacked and beaten this week. Although none of them has submitted a complaint against state agencies, we are ready to start proceedings in relation to attacks as soon as they file complaints. Anyway, the investigation of these cases will be in the focus of our attention. I expect law enforcement to act rapidly and impartially in order to identify the assailants and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Society should be confident that offenders do not walk away unpunished and that the threats against citizens’ security are eliminated,” Mr Andreasyan said in a statement. At the same time, the Ombudsman urged everyone, especially public and political figures, to observe the norms of political restraint and legal ethics in their speeches. “The aggressive expressions and statements made in recent days have really outraged the public. To avoid unnecessary tension in the future I call on all parties to maintain the standards of professional and human behavior. I strongly condemn any attack on citizens and their property, especially on civil and political figures,” said the Ombudsman.
