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Armenian opposition warns Serzh Sargsyan

25 July 2016 18:05 (UTC+04:00)
Armenian opposition warns Serzh Sargsyan

By Rashid Shirinov

For over 24 hours, members of the armed group Sasna Tsrer, who seized the police patrol station in Yerevan, are deprived of electricity, food, communication and medical assistance.

The statement was made by Alec Yenikomshian, member of civil initiative ‘Founding Parliament’, at an improvised press conference on Khorenatsi street in Yerevan on July 25.

“Such attempts of exerting pressure lead to dangerous escalation of the situation. But we hope that the ruling regime will not dare to bloodshed between Armenian guys and Armenian police,” Yenikomshian claimed.

Activists put all the responsibility for the possible bloodshed personally on President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, urging him to solve the problems of Sasna Tsrer members until 20.00. Radicals also called on the people of Armenia to meet on Khorenatsi street and discuss their further actions.

The Armenian government still did not succeed in disarming the attackers of police station. Currently the Sisian commander, Ashot Minasyan tries to reach agreement with the armed group.

“We will begin the process of disobedience,” the opposition said, warning that rallies will be held in throughout Yerevan.

Meanwhile, the number of Sasna Tsrer’s supporters keeps rising. About 1,500 people came to the building of seized police patrol service in the evening of July 22. The activists once again criticized the policy of the Armenian authorities. “Guys know what they are fighting for and they are not ready to give up. The more they receive support from people, the closer the goal is,” activists claim.

On July 17, a group of armed men entered the territory of the Armenian police patrol department in the Erebuni district of Yerevan and took several people hostage. The attackers demand the release of Armenian opposition figure Jirair Sefilyan, who was arrested nearly a month ago on charges of illegal possession of arms. They also claim resignation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

During the seizure of the building one policeman was killed and four were injured. For almost a week, the attackers held four policemen in hostage, including the deputy chief of Armenian police major-General Vardan Yeghiazaryan and the deputy chief of Yerevan police, Colonel Valeri Osipyan.

Following the long-lasting talks, the armed group on July 23 released all of the hostages. Nevertheless, the armed group refuses to lay arms down and surrender to the authorities.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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