Armenian police: R. Hovannisian holds unsanctioned rally

The Police of Armenia issued a statement regarding the rallies organized by the leader of Heritage Party Raffi Hovannisian, the exercise of constitutional rights, and the “instructions” given to policemen. The statement in particular says that the provisions of the Constitution and the Law on Freedom of Assembly shall be interpreted and implemented in line with their content and meaning.

“Under Article 9 of the RA Law on Freedom of Assembly, in order to hold a public meeting, the organizer shall notify in writing the authorized body, except in cases of urgent and chance meetings with no less 100 participants.

This requirement is aimed first of all at ensuring peaceful meetings as well as at protecting the constitutional rights of other people and public interests (Article 10 of the Law on Freedom of Assembly).

Therefore, holding a public meeting without notification is illegal and may result in administrative responsibility, but if the meeting is peaceful, the police shall assist it within their authority (Article 32 of the Law on Freedom of Assembly), the police statement reads.

The Police urge Raffi Hovannisian to follow the procedures and provisions stipulated by the Constitution and the Law on Freedom of Assembly and to refrain from giving instructions to law enforcers.

The statement says that in such conditions it is the obligation of the Armenian police to ensure the normal conduct of rallies and remove all the obstacles to the exercise of constitutional rights.

“The Armenian Police has repeatedly proved that it remains committed to this fundamental approach stipulated by the Constitution and the laws,” the statement says.