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Yerevan Police Stop Protestors From Marching to Russian Embassy
Mаry Mamyan
hetq
14:48, December 10, 2011
At noon today, demonstrators attempted to gather in front of the
Russian Embassy in Yerevan to protest what they describe as the
recently rigged parliamentary elections in Russia and the arrest of
hundreds of opposition activists in that country.
Armenian police stopped them from getting close to the embassy. Police
Lieutenant Haykaz Jomardyan approached the oncoming crowd and told
them the law prevented any such demonstration in the vicinity of the
embassy. When asked which law specifically, he answered `the law of
the Republic of Armenia'.
The police then suggested that the demonstrators assemble across the
street. They did so.
Protestors then unfurled a number of banners and placards calling for
the immediate release of opposition leaders and others arrested in
Moscow and elsewhere in Russia.
Protestor Aren Manukyan said that by closing off the street, Armenian
police were displaying their servility to the authorities in Russia.
He added that the issue wasn't a political but rather a civil one.
Artur Sakunts from the Vanadzor Helsinki Civil Assembly said that the
illegal actions taking place in Russia were not only dangerous to
Russians but to all freedom loving peoples and even though such
protests do not provide immediate results, it was their duty to voice
their displeasure and defend their rights.
The protest was organized by a recently formed group calling itself
`Free Citizens'.
Mаry Mamyan
hetq
14:48, December 10, 2011
At noon today, demonstrators attempted to gather in front of the
Russian Embassy in Yerevan to protest what they describe as the
recently rigged parliamentary elections in Russia and the arrest of
hundreds of opposition activists in that country.
Armenian police stopped them from getting close to the embassy. Police
Lieutenant Haykaz Jomardyan approached the oncoming crowd and told
them the law prevented any such demonstration in the vicinity of the
embassy. When asked which law specifically, he answered `the law of
the Republic of Armenia'.
The police then suggested that the demonstrators assemble across the
street. They did so.
Protestors then unfurled a number of banners and placards calling for
the immediate release of opposition leaders and others arrested in
Moscow and elsewhere in Russia.
Protestor Aren Manukyan said that by closing off the street, Armenian
police were displaying their servility to the authorities in Russia.
He added that the issue wasn't a political but rather a civil one.
Artur Sakunts from the Vanadzor Helsinki Civil Assembly said that the
illegal actions taking place in Russia were not only dangerous to
Russians but to all freedom loving peoples and even though such
protests do not provide immediate results, it was their duty to voice
their displeasure and defend their rights.
The protest was organized by a recently formed group calling itself
`Free Citizens'.