Armenians suffer from unstable situation in Yerevan
By Rashid Shirinov
The ongoing seizure of a police station in Yerevan and the following violent clashes between the police and citizens have caused significant problems for the residents of the capital city.
Residents of the Saritagh district of Yerevan are leaving their homes to seek temporary shelter with relatives or friends. For fourth day in a row they lack gas supply, face shortages in water and power supply and cannot use public transport in their district.
Because of the Erebuni events that started on the morning of July 17, Saritagh residents had to walk almost a half of the city to get home. Roads from Saritagh to the city centre are closed for the fourth day. Police erected barricades on the roads.
“We are forced to walk several kilometers to another district to get on transport and go to work, store or drugstore. But I don’t know how long we will hold on,” Saritagh residents told Sputnik Armenia.
“We have to turn on stoves due to lack of gas supply, but it costs more. Some people eat only bread with cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers in order to save and not spend too much money for electricity. And what about those who have children?” another resident complained.
From the morning of July 17, a group of armed men seized the police station and took hostages demanding release of opposition activist Jirair Sefilyan, who was arrested nearly a month ago on charges of illegal possession of arms. The attackers also demand resignation of the Armenian president.
During the seizure, one Armenian police officer was killed and four were injured. Currently, four hostages are held in the building, including the deputy chief of Armenian police major-General Vardan Yeghiazaryan and the deputy chief of Yerevan police, Colonel Valeri Osipyan.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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