Hovannisian supporters launch strike at Baghramyan Avenue

April 9, 2013 - 20:56 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Supporters of the ex-candidate in Armenia’s presidential elections, Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian started a strike at Yerevan’s Baghramyan Avenue. Hovannisian himself, accompanied by some of his supporters, is marching from Saryan Street to Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to Genocide Victims.

Earlier, the rally participants headed by the Heritage leader planned to march along Baghramyan Avenue (Armenian President’s residence site) to Tsitsernakaberd. However, the police barred the demonstrators’ way. The incident was followed by a minor clash; however, the rally participants were soon calmed.

After Hovannisian’s conversation with the Police chief Vladimir Gasparyan, the demonstrators changed their route. Some of the supporters stayed at Baghramyan Avenue. Later, the Police issued a statement warning that with the peaceful assembly law violated, the members of law enforcement agency are now authorized to resort to any law-stipulated actions.

Ex-candidate Ardreas Ghukasyan urged for a strike at Baghramyan Avenue. “If police resorts to any actions, we’ll try to counteract it without using force,” he said.