On August 19, environmental activists protested in front of the residence of the Armenian President (commonly known as Baghramyan 26).
Later, the protestors decided to move from the Presidential Residence to the National Assembly park, but the park entrances were closed for the public by the police and later on law enforcement bodies applied force to the demonstrators. Police troops arrived and forcibly removed the environmentalists.
Gayane Saribekyan, “Azatutyun”’s correspondent, also suffered from police operations: she was also subjected to force. It is known that 6 citizens were arrested for failing to comply with the lawful demand of police.
We urge the authorities and law enforcement bodies to refrain from policy that impedes the professional activities of journalists, especially the use of force against them. Such actions by law enforcement bodies are against the principles of the proclaimed “New Armenia”.
