“With concern we note reports on excessive use of force and mass arrests by the police. In that regard, we call on the authorities to observe the principle of proportionality in handling public manifestations, which applies to both peaceful and violent gatherings. Likewise, demonstrators need to refrain from violence in the exercise of their civil rights.”
Tension on Khorenatsi Street wouldn’t calm down. After the clash of the policemen and demonstrators injuries have been recorded, on which RA Ministry of Health provided information later. According to the Ministry of Health 51 injured people applied to Yerevan’s hospitals, 29 of which are policemen. “15 people with injuries received outpatient medical care.
“Naturally, the discharge of the situation requires tolerance, and the gunmen should understand that the Constitutional norm must be in force in the Republic of Armenia,” Artsvik Minasyan, RA Minister of Economy said touching upon the recent developments.
According to preliminary investigation, around 22:15 on July 20, several protesters carried out public disturbance in forms of destroying property, violence against Police officers of Yerevan Police Department, which endangered public security. A criminal case has been initiated in the Investigative Department of Yerevan based on Article 225 point 2 of the Criminal Code.
“Dear colleagues, on July 17 several gunmen stormed a Police HQ in Yerevan and took hostages, a police Colonel has been killed. On behalf of all of us I express my condolences to Artur Vanoyan’s family members, relatives, co-servicemen.”
After the July 20 clashes in Khorenatsi Street and nearby area and on July 21 early in the morning 136 citizens were detained, the Public Relations and Press Department of the Police told 168.am.
“Several reporters were injured during the clashes overnight on Khorenatsi Street. This is strongly condemnable not only as a manifestation of violence in general, but also as a strongly negative occurrence in terms of obstruction of activities of mass media.”
Public Relations Department of RA Ministry of Health provided initial information on the citizens injured during the clashes on Khorenatsi str. As a result of the incident near RA patrol police regiment, at the moment 45 citizens applied to different hospitals, 25 of which are policemen. 18 have been moved by ambulance, others applied independently. Medical assistance is provided on total volume and in time. More detailed information will be provided soon.
Situation Escalates on Khorenatsi Street: Live
At this moment the situation is rather tense before the Patrol-Guard Service Regiment building. To support members of “Sasna Tsrer” armed group, citizens gathered there were claiming that the Police allowed them pass food to the people inside the building through a proxy. The citizens claimed to accelerate solving of the issue demanding to answer at that very moment. They were claiming, that the Police gave an immediate reply, otherwise, if there is tension, they aren’t responsible.
