Police didn't use weapons to stop disorders in Yerevan
Policemen did not use weapons to stop disorders in Yerevan. They used rubber batons and shields to rebuff the illegal movement, RA police first deputy chief, lieutenant general Ararat Makhtesyan said.
"Initially, the authorities did not intend to use force but there was no other way out, since the situation got out of control. On February 29, we received an alert on distribution of weapons among the opposition rally participants. The attempt to carry out a search came across a severe resistance and policemen could nothing but use force," he said.
"After the demonstrators took streets toward the French Embassy, police held talks with opposition leaders Levon Zurabyan and Nikol Pashinyan to lead their supporters to the ground at Matenadaran. However, some time later, the protesters were ordered not to move. Pashinyan pushed them to enter battle with the police. As result, several policemen were wounded," Makhtesyan said.
"Initially, the authorities did not intend to use force but there was no other way out, since the situation got out of control. On February 29, we received an alert on distribution of weapons among the opposition rally participants. The attempt to carry out a search came across a severe resistance and policemen could nothing but use force," he said.
"After the demonstrators took streets toward the French Embassy, police held talks with opposition leaders Levon Zurabyan and Nikol Pashinyan to lead their supporters to the ground at Matenadaran. However, some time later, the protesters were ordered not to move. Pashinyan pushed them to enter battle with the police. As result, several policemen were wounded," Makhtesyan said.
