Activists in Yerevan prosecuted for disobeying police (+video)

Administrative protocols have been drawn up against all 48 Yerevan protesters taken to the police station. In the opinion of the lawyer Rimma Sargsyan, the activists should not sign these protocols, as the police dispersed a peaceful demonstration.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 11 activists of the group "No to robbery!" organized a rally and a march in Yerevan demanding to cancel the increase of the electricity tariff. At night, activists stayed in Bagramyan Avenue and refused to clear the roadway. This morning the police dispersed the action. At least four activists turned for medical aid. 48 people were taken to the police; later they were released.

Under the law, if an action is peaceful, the police have no right to use force against protesters, said Rimma Sargsyan, a member of the coordination group "No to robbery!" Besides, the methods applied by the police, in her opinion, were inadequate to the number of protesters – people "received bruises from blows and hustle."

In the opinion of Sargsyan, protesters committed no violations – they located themselves in such a way that cars could safely and freely drive through.

The lawyer has already turned to the office of Armenian Ombudsman with an appeal to protect protesters' rights.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.