RAFFI HOVANNISIAN’S SUPPORTERS MOVE IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS – PHOTO
APA, Azerbaijan
April 9 2013
Baku-APA. Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian resumed his rally
in Freedom Square in Yerevan, APA reports quoting tert.am website.
Today, along with the inauguration of Armenian President Serzh
Sargsysan, Raffi Hovannisian held a rally and “New Armenia’s
inauguration.”
Mr Hovannisian stated he did not recognize either Serzh Sargsyan or
Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. He recognizes only Armenia’s
people.
The rally participants marched toward the Armenian presidential
residence, but police troops blocked their way at the
Baghramyan-Demirchyan intersection.
Raffi Hovannisian demanded the release of the detained activists and
resignation of not only President Serzh Sargsyan, but also Catholicos
of All Armenians Garegin II.
“This is neither a threat nor an ultimatum. This is your right to
your last concession,” he said.
Hovannisian stated his readiness to go to Moscow next morning to
“meet Mister Putin and bring victory to Armenia.”
Raffi Hovannisian’s supporters are in Baghramyan Avenue and have
clashed with police.
Chief of the Yerevan Police Department Nersik Nazaryan demanded that
the people stop illegal activities. Otherwise, the police troops will
have to take measures.
In response, Raffi Hovannisian said that the demonstrators will
continue their way up Baghramyan Avenue, toward Tsitsernakaberd to
lay flowers at the so called “Armenian Genocide” memorial.
Chief of Armenia’s Police Vladimir Gasparyan has arrived at Baghramyan
Avenue. He is talking with Raffi Hovannisian now.
Ruben Hakobyan, a Heritage parliamentary group member, warned the
demonstrators against responding to provocations. He informed them
of Mr Hovannisian’s talks with the police authorities.
The demonstrators are moving in different directions – some remain
in Baghramyan Avenue and others are moving along Moskovyan Str,
accompanied by police. Chief of Armenia’s Police Vladimir Gasparyan
is there as well.
Hrair Tamrazyan, Director of Azatutyun Radio turned to the activist
Alen Simonyan for detailed information on the incident involving
Armen Martirosyan.
Mr Simonyan explained that Mr Martirosyan was detained after an
incident this morning. A policeman hit Martirosyan’s mother, and he
pushed the policeman away.
Policemen also used force against Heritage party member David
Sanasaryan.
Zaruhi Postanjyan, a Heritage parliamentary group member, called on
the police to allow the people to remain in Baghramyan Avenue and
wait for Raffi Hovannisian to return from Tsitsernakaberd.
She said that the people must return to Freedom Square.