Azernews.Az

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has informed its citizens that various social media outlets are calling for daily protests for the foreseeable future in Yerevan at or around Freedom Square and in the Erebuni District beginning in the evenings. These protests are in response to the armed attack on the Armenian Police Yerevan City Patrol Regiment Building and subsequent release of hostages.

Additional protests should be expected for the foreseeable future in the following locations in Yerevan: Freedom Square, Republic Square, Mashtots Ave, Amiryan Street, Northern Ave, and Khorenatsi Street. Expect a heavy police presence throughout the country in response to any protests. Roads and any surrounding areas will likely be congested. Recent protests have seen more than 3,000 people.

"Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations," the embassy said.

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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