Ombudsman addresses police protection of human rights

The Armenian Ombudsman's Office has issued a report focusing on the situation of human rights in the police sector.
The document has addressed the following shortcomings in the police activities.
- Investigation and inquest bodies often subjected individuals to an inhuman and degrading treatment in an effort to extort testimony;- Individuals detained or taken to police stations were often denied the right to have a lawyer;- In 2012, police officers disallowed the installation of tents at peaceful rallies (putting up one tent is considered lawful);- The police have failed to pay due attention to the distribution of bribes at elections and did not take proper measures towards resolving such cases and holding those guilty accountable;- The Passport and Visa Department and its regional and district subdivisions often violated the required timeframes for issuing passports to the Armenian citizens;- Citizens often complained about disrespectful attitude by the police;- Problems were revealed in the procedures of recognizing and using the convention travel document issued to refugees;
The finding further addressed positive developments, including:- The police have essentially and significantly improved their conduct at peaceful rallies;- In 2012, police officers were in many cases held accountable for violating the law;- Pursuant to an instruction by the chief of police, the fines for violating the traffic rules are no longer paid on the spot;- Surveillance cameras were installed at different intersections of Yerevan to ensure public security;- Measures were taken to develop the activities of community police subdivisions;- Electronic passports with biometric data, and identification cards have been effective on the territory of Armenia since June 1, 2012;- To bring the refugee convention travel documents in compliance with internationally accepted standards, the Armenian Police have elaborated a bill proposing amendments to the Law on Refugees and Asylum.   Read more... (299 words)

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