Information circulating on social media and in the press regarding recent detentions in Yerevan and other regions of Armenia has come under the attention of the Human Rights Defender’s Office as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.

According to a statement from the Defender’s Office, data collected under the Ombudsman’s directive is currently being examined to determine any possible violations of the rights of individuals deprived of liberty. Necessary measures are being taken within the scope of the Ombudsman’s authority based on the findings.

“The Ombudsman reaffirms that any deprivation of liberty must strictly adhere to the procedures defined by Armenia’s Criminal Procedure Code, and be based on the principles underlying the institution itself, in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and Armenia’s domestic courts. Arbitrary detentions in the absence of legal grounds must be ruled out,” the statement reads.

The hotline of the Ombudsman’s Office has also received reports from relatives of detainees who are unaware of their family members’ locations, raising serious legal concerns.

Ongoing calls have also highlighted that several vehicles seized on June 18 remain held in secure police compounds. As noted in the statement, the Ombudsman has previously addressed this issue, including in annual reports.

The Defender has formally requested explanations from relevant authorities regarding these incidents and will present an official position following a thorough review.

“The Human Rights Defender has consistently raised this issue, including in annual reports. Explanations have been demanded from competent state bodies, and an official stance will be issued after analyzing the responses. The Defender stresses that vehicles may only be brought into secure compounds and impounded on the basis of proper legal grounds, with justification presented to the owner. Failing to return such vehicles for extended periods under vague technical or procedural pretexts may raise human rights concerns,” the statement adds.

The Defender emphasized the need for strict adherence to legal requirements for transferring and impounding vehicles in designated areas.

On June 18, dozens of supporters of the "Sacred Struggle" movement and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) were detained. The Ministry of Internal Affairs told media outlets that “operational information was received about planned actions aimed at disturbing public order.”