Almost 140 detained after rally dispersal in Yerevan - police
YEREVAN. July 21 (Interfax) - Nearly 140 persons were detained after police had dispersed a rally near the Yerevan police station taken over by an armed group, the Armenian police press service told Interfax on Thursday.
"A total of 136 persons have been detained," it said.
Armenian police dispersed the rally near the Yerevan police station seized by an armed group.
Before the rally was dispersed, police twice warned the protesters about the intentions and urged them "to stop the illegal action."
As many as 51 people, including 29 policemen, were wounded in clashes in Yerevan on Wednesday evening.
The protesters hurled stones at the police after their question about food supply to the armed group was left unanswered.
Later on, the protesters built barricades on Tigran Mets Avenue and the area near the seized police station.
The Armenian Health Ministry told Interfax that 15 injured persons received aid at outpatient clinics. "Thirty-four injured people continue to receive treatment at various medical centers of the city," it said.
According to the Armenian ombudsman, journalists were hurt when police dispersed a rally in Yerevan. The office of the Armenian human rights ombudsman said all related materials would be submitted to investigative bodies for possible opening of a criminal inquiry.
A group of armed persons took over the police station in the morning of July 17. They killed a police officer and injured four people. They demanded that Founding Parliament opposition group leader Jirair Sefilian under arrest on the counts of illegal acquisition and storing of weapons be released. Other demands are resignation of the authorities and formation of a people's confidence government.
Armenian police deputy chief Maj. Gen. Vardan Egiazaryan and Yerevan police deputy chief Col. Valery Osipyan were taken hostage amongst others.