Armenian security forces detain opposition leaders

22.04.2018 11:37

Armenian security forces have detained today opposition parliament member Nikol Pashinyan as he was heading another anti-government demonstration.

YEREVAN, April 22. /ARKA/. Armenian security forces have detained today opposition parliament member Nikol Pashinyan as he was heading another anti-government demonstration. Detained were also other opposition MPs Ararat Mirzoyan and Sasoon Mikaelyan. br

The detention occurred on Artsakh Street in Erebuni administrative district. When the protesters approached this street, it was already blocked by the riot police, who used also stun grenades. The police detained other protesters as well.br

Earlier today prime minister Serzh Sargsyan walked out of a televised meeting with Pashinyan describing the latter’s demand that he resign as blackmail. I came here to discuss your resignation, Pashinyan, the leader of the opposition Civil Contract Party, told the prime minister in front of the cameras.br

This is not a dialogue, this is blackmail. I only can advise that you return to the legal framework otherwise, you will bear the full responsibility, Sargsyan replied.br

You don't understand the situation in Armenia. The power is now in people's hands, Pashinyan said.br

Before walking out of the meeting room, Sargsyan told Pashinyan that he did not learn the lesson of March 1, 2008 (when ten protesters were killed during a mass demonstration against Sargsyan’s election as president.) Sargsyan also said that the party that won only eight percent in the parliamentary elections can't speak on behalf of the people.br

The anti-government protests in Armenia began on April 13 after Armenia's ruling Republican Party nominated former president Serzh Sargsyan for the prime minister’s post. Serzh Sargsyan resigned as president on April 9 and was elected as prime minister during a special session of parliament on April 17 by a vote of 77 to 17.br

According to Armenia’s amended constitution, approved in a national referendum in 2015, Armenia has switched the government from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system making the presidency largely ceremonial and strengthening the office of the prime minister.br

The protests are led by Nikol Pashinyan, the head of the opposition Yelk parliamentary faction, who declared April 17 the beginning of popular, non-violent velvet revolution urgingnbsp; demonstrators to keep besieging ministries, the prosecutor's office, the central bank and other governmental buildings.br

Police have arrested hundreds of protesters since Tuesday, including two people they accused of making explosive materials to use in public places. -0-br