As the public is aware, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has released information about the arrest of 46 protesters for administrative offences today. The Public Defender’s Office has visited 23 of the detainees during the day.

“The detainees pointed out that their detention was unfounded, but did not say anything about physical violence/excessive use of force by the police. Only one of the detainees had injuries.

The Public Defender’s office has been receiving calls from the family members and lawyers looking for the detainees all day long. In some cases, unfortunately, even the Public Defender’s Office is not able to receive information from the MIA in a timely manner.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has continued the practice that is not in compliance with human rights. In particular, they do not inform family members or lawyers about the whereabouts of the detainees in a timely manner or do not inform them at ll. Consequently, lawyers are unable to timely visit their clients, talk to them, or agree on a defence strategy.

The Public Defender calls on the MIA to immediately provide information to each family member and lawyer about the whereabouts of the detainees and to enable lawyers to meet with their clients without obstacles. The Public Defender also calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to act in accordance with law in the future and inform the relevant persons about the whereabouts of detainees as soon as possible”, - reads the statement of the Ombudsman.