Clashes in Yerevan destabilize situation in Armenia
13.03.2008,
00:35
The initiators of the recent clashes in Yerevan planned to destabilize the country’s situation, according to Vahag Harutyunyan, investigator of the RA Special Investigation Service (SIS).
YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. The initiators of the recent clashes in Yerevan planned to destabilize the country’s situation, according to Vahag Harutyunyan, investigator of the RA Special Investigation Service (SIS).
“The organizers tried to achieve their goal by creating an atmosphere of ochlocracy and provoking clashes,” he said.
The special investigation group has carefully analyzed the internal political situation on March 1-2. Some of the initiators of the clashes are accused of mass riots, illegal possession of arms, ammunition and explosives, as well as of encroachment and use of violence against authorities.
He pointed out that many servicemen and policemen injured during the clashes are involved in the case.
According to Harutyunyan, the investigation has shown that the clashes aimed at a forceful takeover of the country’s political power. The protesters were divided into groups to resist policemen and servicemen.
Since February 20 rallies, sit-ins and student walkouts had been held by the opposition leader RA ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian in the center of Yerevan. The protesters accused Kocharian's ally and Prime Minister Serge Sargsian of rigging the presidential election last month.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian declared a state of emergency on March 1after a day of clashes between police and protesters.
MPs Khachatur Sukiasyan, Sasun Mikaelyan and editor of the Haikakan Zhamanak opposition paper Nikol Pashinyan are wanted by the police. –0--
“The organizers tried to achieve their goal by creating an atmosphere of ochlocracy and provoking clashes,” he said.
The special investigation group has carefully analyzed the internal political situation on March 1-2. Some of the initiators of the clashes are accused of mass riots, illegal possession of arms, ammunition and explosives, as well as of encroachment and use of violence against authorities.
He pointed out that many servicemen and policemen injured during the clashes are involved in the case.
According to Harutyunyan, the investigation has shown that the clashes aimed at a forceful takeover of the country’s political power. The protesters were divided into groups to resist policemen and servicemen.
Since February 20 rallies, sit-ins and student walkouts had been held by the opposition leader RA ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian in the center of Yerevan. The protesters accused Kocharian's ally and Prime Minister Serge Sargsian of rigging the presidential election last month.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian declared a state of emergency on March 1after a day of clashes between police and protesters.
MPs Khachatur Sukiasyan, Sasun Mikaelyan and editor of the Haikakan Zhamanak opposition paper Nikol Pashinyan are wanted by the police. –0--
