Responding to charges made by Anna Safaryan, an advisor with the Human Rights Defender’s Office, that a policeman groped and kissed a female protestor during an August 24 demonstration in Yerevan, the Police Department castigated Safaryan for “jumping the gun”.

Safaryan, who advises the Human Rights Defender on women’s rights issues, had issued a statement describing the incident as a possible sexual assault with legal ramifications.

Videos of the incident have been downloaded on YouTube and other sites.

In their response, the police claim that the officer has been relieved of his duties pending an investitigation.

“While it is understandable when citizens are quick to express an opinion, we are more than concerned when a representative of such a credible organization as the Human Rights Defender’s Office jumps to conclusions in such a biased manner,” reads the response of the Police Department.