Republican Party MP Galust Sahakyan – `People should stay clear of reporters’
2009/04/10 | 14:33
important politics
Shushan Stepanyan
At today’s parliamentary press briefing deputies commented on police
actions that dispersed people and reporters who have been assembling
along Northern Avenue.
The police have been reported to having used physical force to
disperse those who gather at the spot.
Heritage Party Deputy Zaruhi Postanjyan believes that the police are
operating outside the law and that the heavy-handed police actions do
not correspond to the situation on the ground. `I witnessed ten people
being taken to jail. The police gave to legal justification for their
actions. In essence, these people were illegally detained for three
hours.’
Rule of Law Party Deputy Heghineh Bisharyan commented that, `I heard
about the incident yesterday. If people are assembling peacefully and
demonstrating without causing a public disturbance, then I protest any
such action to disperse and detain them. I don’t care who they are.’
ARF Deputy Vahan Hovhannisyan stated that there is no state of
emergency rule in the country and that there is no reason for it to
exist. `As to what happened the other day at Northern Avenue, I’m
hearing about it from you. I really don’t think what happened was such
a big deal that everyone should have heard about it. Bringing it up at
the briefing is just a way to blow-up its importance.’
When asked by reporters if he listened to the radio or read the papers
Mr. Hovhannisyan replied, `I don’t have the day to spend all day
listening to the radio or reading the papers.’
His party colleague Artzvik Minasyan noted that restricting one’s
right to free speech or movement should be condemned.
Prosperous Armenia Party Deputy Naira Zohrabyan stated that she was
concerned, especially regarding the case of reporter Davit
Jalalyan. `I know him and can’t picture him involved in any
disturbances or law-breaking.
Armen Ashotyan spoke with the police chief about the incident. The
chief replied that it was a misunderstanding.’ She added that within
the confines of the law people had the right to demonstrate.
In the words of Republican Party stalwart Galust Sahakyan, `I’d urge
people to treat the police with a bit more tolerance. The role of the
police is to be present when mass public functions take place. As to
what happened to the reporter, all I can say is that they are capable
of doing anything, even setting traps. People should stay clear of
reporters. If you see one approaching, run away. Mass meetings must be
organized in the correct manner. And if they are directed against the
authorities, one must respect the uniform of the police. This is what
the law sets out to do. When protestors put forth their demands with a
degree of moderation it is our government that benefits.’