217 people, mostly servicemen, suffered in Yerevan melee

PanARMENIAN.Net - 326 people (177 in Yerevan and 155 in regions) were brought to police over suspicion in participation in disorders on March 1,2. The number of arrested by police reached 30; the National Security Service detained 16 (8 already arrested).



217 (71 civilians, 43 policemen and 133 servicemen, aging 18-20) were taken to hospital.



26 cars, 6 buses and 3 trolleybuses were burnt down.



Plenty of weapons were confiscated, said Sayat Shirinyan, spokesman for RA police chief.



"The disorders which shocked Yerevan can't be justified. Police did utmost to prevent bloodshed. It's hard to realize that 8 people were killed in melee initiated by our citizens and compatriots," said Grigor Grigoryan, deputy police chief. "We should be proud of our soldiers who defended their homeland and enured security of the citizens."