Police Chief Alik Sargsyan is either unable to handle the system or ...

Helsinki Association's Vanadzor Office has during 2009-2010 registered more than 15 cases when the police subjected citizens to physical assault, psychological pressure and threat. The Prosecutor General's Office and the Special Investigative Service have been notified about 14 such cases but up to day no single criminal proceeding has been instituted, Head of Helsinki Association's Vanadzor Office Arthur Sakunts told a press conference today as he unveiled a report titled "Harassments in Armenia's Legal System."

In his words people are being subjected to harassment in Armenia while those guilty remain unpunished.

"No single international human rights organization can stop this. This is called a 'system of degrading treatment'," said he adding that the first body to blame is the police.

"The police have become a body that harasses citizens, subjects them to violation, degrade treatment. Alik Sargsyan [chief of the police] bears direct responsibility for this situation. He is either unable as a leader or purposefully leaves the system into inactivity as he pursues one aim - to commit wrongdoings by all means," said Sakunts.

Sakunts further said the report has found out that in all cases when citizens have been subjected to violation and degrading treatment they have not primarily been notified that they will be taken to the police. In about 60 per cent of the cases citizens were taken to the police without any warranties.