#DontBeSilent

YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY IS DESTROYING THE CULTURE!

THEØFFICE remains shut down and sealed, with all your personal belongings still inside. We are working continuously to complete all legal procedures and reopen.

On Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at 1:00 AM, YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVES, backed by dozens of RA POLICE OFFICERS, viciously and unlawfully entered THEØFFICE under the pretext of a  “license check”. Armed with video recorders and flashlights, they froze all activity within the club, subjecting more than 300 guests and our staff to inhumane treatment, including the use of aggressive language, forcibly preventing individuals from leaving, unlawfully detaining them on the floor, and conducting invasive searches. This hostile raid created an atmosphere of panic and terror, ultimately leading to the shutdown of THEØFFICE - marking yet another violent assault on Armenia’s electronic music scene and Yerevan’s vibrant nightlife.

This is a clear violation of human rights protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, attacking freedom of self-expression, dignity, lifestyle, and cultural diversity.

We are absolutely against and strongly condemn the illegal practices of the YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY and the RA POLICE, who exploit administrative laws as a false excuse to raid clubs without proper regulatory mechanisms or adequate assessment of the objectives and methods used. These actions constitute a shameless violation of our fundamental rights and reflect the old mindset - to create fear and oppress our community. 

These actions are unacceptable, we will not be silenced and will defend our rights!

We demand:

• THE RA POLICE: Open THEØFFICE, fullfill your duty to PROTECT THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF ALL CITIZENS;
• THE YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY: Reform the laws in dialogue with cultural industries;
• THE RA GOVERNMENT: Deliver a comprehensive assessment of current municipal policies in alignment with armenia’s long-term strategic vision;
• THE OMBUDSPERSON OF THE RA: Provide a clear evaluation of systematic human rights violations embedded within RA Government’s institutional practices.

We call upon international and non governmental organizations and partners accredited in Armenia, in particular, to follow up on the process of reforms implemented in Armenia’s law enforcement system with their support.

The time is now.

Your voice is important.

Stand up for your rights.

Sign the petition!