Police prevents opposition from "disinfecting" Armenian government

Representatives of the Armenian opposition “Freedom movement” tried to stage a rally in white coats and gas masks near the government building in the capital Yerevan.

One of the participants of the movement, Vaahn Chakhakyan, told journalists that the idea of the rally was to “disinfect the government building and clean it up”, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Armenian media.

The demonstrators, carrying “No to perversion” and “Nikol – go” posters, tried to cross the road toward the government building. However, police officers prevented the attempt, leading to a brawl with the protesters.

Some rally participants have been detained, including well-known journalist Nairi Hokhikyan, as a result of police intervention.

For his part, one of the leaders of the “Freedom movement”, Ara Zohrabyan, accused the police of illegal actions as, he said, the rally was peaceful. He added that the demonstration would continue.

“Today, we plan to gather in the square of fountains at 18:30 and invite everyone to join,” he said.