Armenian armed group announces conditions for release of doctors
By Rashid Shirinov
Varuzhan Avetisyan, a member of the armed group Sasna Tsrer that seized the building of the regiment of patrol-guard service in Yerevan, announced that they are ready to release the doctors being kept hostage if they are replaced with another crew.
On July 27, the group took hostage an ambulance crew of four doctors, including a woman, who arrived at the police station to assist the wounded in the shootout between the police and Sasna Tsrer members. Later, one of the hostages was released, whilst the others are still being kept in the police station.
Avetisyan said that the doctors feel good, they fulfill their professional duties, and the condition of the wounded attackers is normal.
He complained on the violation of the ceasefire agreement by Armenian government in relation to Sasna Tsrer members.
He said that when Paul Manukyan, the leader of the group, was trying to transfer the injured attackers, Armenian police opened fire at him. Therefore, the attackers will stay in the regiment, and are not going to give up to the Armenian National Security Service.
Answering the question on the future actions of Sasna Tsrer, Avetisyan said: “We will not surrender and continue until we reach our goal.”
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 demanded 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.
Following the long-lasting talks, the armed group on July 23 released all police-hostages. Nevertheless, they refused to lay arms down and surrender to the authorities.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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