Minors detained during events at Mother See of Echmiadzin  -  Ombudsman`s Office

ArmInfo.  Minors were among those detained in connection with the events around the Mother See of Echmiadzin, as stated in a message from the Office of the Human Rights Defender of  Armenia.

The statement emphasizes that as part of the operational response, it  was established that a number of individuals were arrested on  suspicion of obstructing the administration of justice. During  personal conversations with the detained citizens, they raised  several issues, some of which were resolved through discussions  between representatives of the police and the Office of the Human  Rights Defender. At the same time, individuals deprived of liberty  expressed their disagreement with the legality of the detentions  carried out and the unjustified deprivation of their liberty without  any actions aimed at  interfering in the administration of justice.

The Human Rights Defender once again reiterates the importance of  adhering strictly  to requirements outlined in the Criminal Procedure  Code of the Republic of Armenia and the logic underlying this  institution,  when depriving a person of liberty. It is essential to  be guided by the relevant legal positions ser by the European Court  of Human Rights and domestic courts, excluding deprivation of liberty  in the absence of legitimate grounds.

"It is concerning that minors were among those detained. In this  regard, the Human Rights Defender strongly emphasizes that in this  process, the deprivation of liberty of each minor should only  be  used as a measure of last resort. Any actions taken against them  should be for the shortest possible time, taking into account their  age, vulnerability and developmental needs. In cases of extreme  necessity, when  minors are deprived of liberty, they should be  immediately isolated from adults, guaranteeing their physical and  psychological safety. Minors should be immediately given the  opportunity to  contact their parents or legal representatives and  receive legal assistance promptly. After receiving written  clarifications from the competent authorities regarding the issues  raised during the visits, the office staff will issue a public  statement, as necessary," the statement says.