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Reacting to reports of violent clashes between protesters and police in Armenia’s capital Yerevan, which resulted in numerous injuries and detentions, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s South Caucasus Researcher, said:

“The level of violence during the latest street rally in Yerevan is deeply worrying. We call on the Armenian authorities to immediately and impartially investigate what happened, including allegations that the police may have used unnecessary or excessive force.”

“The authorities’ response to protests, even when they turn violent, must be strictly compliant with international human rights law and standards. Law enforcement officials should avoid the use of force; where this is not possible, force should only be used when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective, and to the minimum extent necessary.”