Armenians hold marches, criticize government
By Rashid Shirinov
Another protest march in support of the armed group Sasna Tsrer was held on the Freedom square in Yerevan August 2.
The protesters headed to the building of the National Security Service, but were stopped by police at the crossing of Sayat-Nova avenue and Nalbandyan street. Activists chanted demands on release of the detained member of the Founding Parliament initiative Alec Yenikomsian.
Following that, demonstrators returned to the Freedom square. They expressed hope that members of Sasna Tsrer in the near future “will be free and join the fight”. The rally was spontaneous, and the microphone could be approached by anyone.
In the meantime, the Armenian Court one by one arrests Sasna Tsrer member under articles of seizing buildings, hostage-taking and illegal possession of weapons.
Following terrible clashes of July 29 between Armenian police and population, 19 people are still receiving treatment in the hospitals of Yerevan.
Clashes between police and demonstrators in support of armed group Sasna Tsrer, who for two weeks seized building of a police station in Yerevan, occurred on Khorenatsi street and in the adjacent district of Sari-Tagh. The police used stun grenades and police batons against the demonstrators. Eyewitnesses claimed that the riots staged by provocateurs from the police dressed as civilians, who threw stones at people and beat them with metal batons.
As a result of confrontation, 73 victims were hospitalized with various injuries. Moreover, journalists from different media outlets, who were covering the situation at the streets, were also among the victims of Armenian police.
In its recent statement, the Armenian Council of America strongly condemned violent actions of Armenian police against peaceful population. “We demand the Armenian police immediately cease all illegal activities against the citizens and urge the authorities to launch an investigation into the actions of those who gave the orders and executed the crackdown on the unarmed protesters,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, ordinary Armenian population keeps criticizing the current government of the country. “They see people gather on Freedom Square at nights, and they turn off lighting. The authorities have not learnt anything, everything is done by force, there is no change. The salvation is in the resignation of our government,” an Armenian citizen complained.
---
Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz