Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan responded to the March 3 incident in front of the Armenian Government that involved policemen and members of the Heritage parliamentary faction. Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan addressed an official letter to Chief of the RA Police Alik Sargsyan.

The letter particularly reads:

On March 3, 2001, the office of the RA Human Rights Defender received information on violations of human rights and abuse of office by policemen during a peaceful action in front of the RA Government. The action was held by people protesting against the ban on street trading and by members of the Heritage parliamentary faction. RA Human Rights Defender and a rapid reaction group arrived at Liberty Square. They did not witness any illegal actions by either the policemen or the citizens. The Parliament member informed the Human Rights Defender that the policemen had attempted to prevent the citizens from exercising their legal right to hold a peaceful demonstration. Moreover, the Parliament members testified that the policemen had used violence against the protesters and the Parliament members themselves, who actually enjoy the privilege of Parliament.

In providing a verbal report to the Human Rights Defender, the Parliament members did not provide any other details. So the Human rights Defender is unable to provide any additional information to the police.

In his letter, the Armenian Ombudsman requested a comprehensive investigation into the incident from Chief of the RA Police Alik Sargsyan. He proposed considering witness reports in addition to police witnessing.

Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan requested that the Chief of the RA Police provide explanations and report on the investigation as soon as possible.  

Armenian News-NEWS.am reminds readers that members of the Heritage parliamentary faction and policemen had a clash in front of the Armenian Government, March 3. The MPs claim that it was the aggressive policemen that provoked the incident.