YEREVAN. – Instead of explaining to the citizens the rules that are set due to the coronavirus, we see brute force, treatment degrading the dignity, which is prohibited by the European Convention. Edmon Marukyan, leader of the opposition Bright Armenia Party and its parliamentary faction, mentioned this at Friday’s National Assembly debates on extending the state of emergency in the country for another month, addressing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

In response, Pashinyan said: "I will agree with you (…) if it happens in a manner and in cases not provided by law, and there is an excess of force. The police are a law enforcement structure and have the right to use force in cases and in the manner prescribed by law. It is clear that force cannot be used for not wearing a mask. But if other developments take place during the communication with the citizen for not wearing a mask, of course, the police must use force.”

The Prime Minister agreed, however, that an investigation should be carried out in each such case. "I hope you are all convinced that the investigation of these cases will be objective," Pashinyan added.