Protests in Armenia: roads, streets are closed; police use  disproportionate force to detain citizens

ArmInfo.  In several regions of Armenia, as well as in Yerevan, protests are being held by citizens who disagree with the unilateral surrender of territories to Azerbaijan by the Armenian authorities. Roads and streets are closed. In particular, the road to the Alagyaz section in the Shirak region, the road to Tigranashen in the Ararat region, the road to Martuni in the Gegakunik region, the road to Bagratashen in the Tavush region, as well as several streets in Yerevan are closed.

To disperse protests and open roads, law enforcement officers, using  disproportionate force, detain citizens, including MPs. Clashes occur  between people and law enforcement officers. In particular, due to  unlawful actions of security forces, a number of citizens were  injured. It is known that as a result of the clash, MP from the  Armenia bloc Garnik Danielyan lost consciousness and was  hospitalized.

Police use physical force to clear the roads of cars that were  blocking the roads. Tow trucks are transported to the scene of  incidents. Watching the actions of the security forces, citizens  applaud, chanting "Nikol is a traitor."

At one of the polling stations, MP from the Armenia bloc Aspram  Krepyan noted that law enforcement officers use disproportionate  force against a number of citizens, resort to blackmail, promising to  release all detainees if the road is opened. In addition, when the  health of citizens worsened as a result of clashes, security forces  deliberately refused to call an ambulance.

"Among the participants of the action there are veterans of the first  and the second Artsakh wars. You must understand that there are no  random people here. Here are people who put their most valuable  things on the line in the name of statehood, the sovereignty of  Armenia and Artsakh," she noted.  The MP noted that this occupation  regime will not last forever, and all law enforcement officers must  understand that the orders given to them are illegal, and they will  be held accountable for their actions.  "The epaulettes oblige you to  serve Armenia, not the interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey," Krpeyan  emphasized.

According to media reports, about 30 people have already been  detained, most of them in Yerevan.  After the joint statement of  Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the demarcation of the state border  from Tavush region and the start of the demarcation process, protests  started in Tavush in Armenia on April 19.