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ARMENIAN OMBUDSMAN CALLS FOR POLICE CLAMPDOWN ON PROSTITUTION IN CENTRAL YEREVAN PARK
http://www.armenianow.com/news/49143/armenia_komaygi_prostitution_ombudsman_police
NEWS | 11.10.13 | 13:24
NAZIK ARMENAKYAN
ArmeniaNow
Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan has issued a statement urging
the police to take measures to uproot prostitution in one of the
central Yerevan parks that is a favorite place for recreation for
many citizens, including children.
Andreasyan referred to the park known as Komaygi and located just in
front of the Mayor's Office. The place is also known as a favorite
hangout for prostitutes often seen soliciting clients and even having
sex by day.
"Such a manifestation of perversion must be done away with, as it is
not only immoral but is also unlawful," emphasized the human rights
defender.
Andreasyan said that while the Yerevan mayor referred his Office to
the Police for solutions, the Police have not taken action in the
absence of complaints about prostitution in the park or any reported
crime related to prostitution.
"We cannot agree with the position of the Police, as the Police
can also institute cases on the basis of media reports," said the
ombudsman, citing a number of such publications.
Still, the Police said that the mentioned stories did not present any
apparent hallmarks of a crime to bring a case under the criminal code.
"The opposite is obvious to us," continued Andreasyan. "Besides,
police officers in Yerevan and elsewhere periodically detain numerous
women on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. But with an obvious
application of double standards no such measures are taken in Komaygi."
The human rights defender believes dealing with prostitution at
the park is possible if the municipality builds a fence around it
and allows no entry to the park during night hours, as it is done,
for example, in Lovers' Park. Besides, he said, lighting should be
increased around the place.
According to Andreasyan, the proposals made by his Office are based on
"the best European experience and values".
From: Baghdasarian
http://www.armenianow.com/news/49143/armenia_komaygi_prostitution_ombudsman_police
NEWS | 11.10.13 | 13:24
NAZIK ARMENAKYAN
ArmeniaNow
Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan has issued a statement urging
the police to take measures to uproot prostitution in one of the
central Yerevan parks that is a favorite place for recreation for
many citizens, including children.
Andreasyan referred to the park known as Komaygi and located just in
front of the Mayor's Office. The place is also known as a favorite
hangout for prostitutes often seen soliciting clients and even having
sex by day.
"Such a manifestation of perversion must be done away with, as it is
not only immoral but is also unlawful," emphasized the human rights
defender.
Andreasyan said that while the Yerevan mayor referred his Office to
the Police for solutions, the Police have not taken action in the
absence of complaints about prostitution in the park or any reported
crime related to prostitution.
"We cannot agree with the position of the Police, as the Police
can also institute cases on the basis of media reports," said the
ombudsman, citing a number of such publications.
Still, the Police said that the mentioned stories did not present any
apparent hallmarks of a crime to bring a case under the criminal code.
"The opposite is obvious to us," continued Andreasyan. "Besides,
police officers in Yerevan and elsewhere periodically detain numerous
women on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. But with an obvious
application of double standards no such measures are taken in Komaygi."
The human rights defender believes dealing with prostitution at
the park is possible if the municipality builds a fence around it
and allows no entry to the park during night hours, as it is done,
for example, in Lovers' Park. Besides, he said, lighting should be
increased around the place.
According to Andreasyan, the proposals made by his Office are based on
"the best European experience and values".
From: Baghdasarian