Ombudsman suggests avoiding speculations for some time (video)
Representatives of the Armenian Ombudsman’s Office met Karabakh war veteran Smbat Hakobyan several hours after his beating to know whether he had any complaints of law-enforcement agencies, Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan told the information to media representatives on Friday after a government session. They informed the freedom fighter that he could turn to the Ombudsman’s Office if he had any complaints and they would initiate proceedings. “Once again, I reiterate that I condemn all forms of violence, especially when it relates to political processes," Mr Andreasyan said. He also expressed his regret that violence has become a way of settling accounts with each other. “I also regret to hear the name of some celebrity and famous politician connected with cases of violence. Against the background of these names I can say that it is becoming fashionable [in our reality] to give the name of a famous person to become a hero at once. The investigation will show whether this is the case or not. I think all beatings which are believed to be on political grounds will be stopped and/or the political forces that ordered the beatings will be punished. As a result, we will stop making big political scandals over each case.” The Ombudsman says it is dangerous to shock the public after each beating. “I am afraid that people will not believe when a real political beating is ordered. I suggest that we avoid speculations for some time.”
