Ombudswoman seeks clarification over brutal arrest of oppositionists in Yerevan

Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan seeks clarification from law-enforcement authorities over the brutal arrest of opposition activists Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan in Yerevan in March.

"Immediately after the dissemination of their detention footage and reports, we visited these persons. In this context, we had at least suspicions and asked the competent authorities for clarification," she told reporters on Thursday in response to a question about the legality of their detention.

"We have requested clarification from the competent authorities and will make conclusions after receiving a response," the ombudswoman said, stressing her office suspected the use of excessive force by law-enforcement officers.

Manasyan assured that the annual report of the ombudsperson's office reflected on the use of excessive force and violence by law enforcers.