Armenian Police: Heritage party members tried to provoke clashes

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Police commented on the March 3 clash among street traders, members of Heritage parliamentary group and policemen near the Armenian government’s building.

According to the RA Police press service, members of Heritage parliamentary group tried to provoke clashes among street traders and policemen, who “were protecting public order near the governmental building within their powers.”

The police statement goes on saying: “Most likely, members of the parliament aimed to escalate the situation and provoke clashes among policemen and the rally participants. Fortunately, they have failed.”

Street traders, Armenian parliament members and policemen clashed in Yerevan on March 3. Street traders, who were protesting against the decision of Yerevan Mayor’s Office to ban street trade for several weeks, planned to hold a protest action at 11:00am in front of the Armenian government building. However, the governmental building was encircled by hundreds of policemen, who prevented rally participants from approaching the governmental building. This has resulted in a clash between peace activists and policemen, who reportedly applied force towards the rally participants.

Members of the Armenian parliament Anahit Bakhshyan and Armen Martirosyan were injured in the clash. They were given medical aid.