The powers of the Ombudsman with regard to banks and credit organizations are restricted. This is what Ombudsman of Armenia Arman Tatoyan said during hearings on “Application of penalties, fines and loan interest rates, credit amnesty and other loan-related issues in the banking system of Armenia” held in parliament today.

According to Tatoyan, the Human Rights Defender isn’t entitled to deal with specific complaints regarding banks and credit organizations.

“Nevertheless, the Ombudsman conducts monitoring to solve issues related to human rights and carries out certain activities. For instance, between January 1 and September 23, 2020, the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has received 200 written and verbal complaints from 400 citizens regarding alleged violations of citizens’ rights by banks or credit organizations. During the state of emergency declared in Armenia to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Office of the Human Rights Defender received 83 verbal and written complaints from 276 citizens,” Tatoyan said.