Armenian Ombudsperson condemns use of force against citizens at  Gyumri City Hall during  Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan`s arrest 

ArmInfo.Armenian Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan has responded to the tense situation at Gyumri City Hall  developed during and after the arrest of Mayor  Vardan Ghukasyan.

The press service of the Human Rights Defender noted that based on  the monitoring results of media and social media it was revealed that  excessive force was used against citizens, and a group of individuals  were taken to the police station. "At the request of the Human Rights  Defender, a representative of the Shirak regional police department  is currently visiting the relevant police station to review the  situation on the ground and ensure the rights of persons deprived of  their liberty are upheld," the Ombudsperson's statement reads.

The Ombudsman's office has received information that, as a result of  the current situation, the proper functioning of several  kindergartens operating in the community has been disrupted, thereby  violating children's rights to preschool education. "In such and any  other situations, the principle of ensuring the best interests of the  child must be strictly adhered to," Manasyan emphasized.

In conclusion, the Ombudsperson stated that all available information  will be reviewed to ensure an appropriate response within the scope  of the Human Rights Defender's mandate.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia  also issued a statement regarding the inadequate functioning of  kindergartens in Gyumri, calling the situation unacceptable. The  Ministry urged directors to ensure the proper functioning of  preschools in accordance with national legislation.