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Over two dozen lawyers have committed to protecting the rights of people jointing peaceful protests organized by the Tavush for the Homeland movement which is spearheaded by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan of the Tavush Diocese.

Human rights activists Ruben Melikyan, Varazdat Harutyunyan, Arsen Babayan, Sergey Harutyunyan and Vahan Hovhannisyan said in a statement late on Wednesday that around 20 other lawyers had joined their initiative to support protesters. The hotline 095 08 87 87 will operate 7 days a week to help them.

“A short guide for participants of peaceful rallies held by the Tavush for the Homeland movement:

"1. Follow the instructions of the assembly organizers and avoid contact with police officers on your own initiative, especially if you have been deprived of liberty.

2. You can be held at a police station for a maximum of 3 hours (in case of administrative detention) or 6 hours (in case of detention on suspicion of committing a crime). Recall the exact time of your detention.

3. If you did not call in advance, politely ask to talk to your lawyer right away dialing the phone number 095 08 87 87 after arriving at the police station.

4. After calling the hotline, give your name, surname and the address of the police station where you were taken to.

5. Do not sign any paper without a lawyer,” reads the statement.