Yerevan hostage stand-off enters into third day
ARCHIVEThe armed opposition group which seized the patrol police regiment headquarters in Yerevan on Sunday continues keeping the building under control, holding four high-ranking police officers hostage under the threat of violence.
The group demands the release of Zhirayr Sefilyan, a civic activist who was detained in June over illegal possession and transportation weapons.
In a statement on Monday, the National Security Service (NSS) said that the police officers “detained illegally are facing threats to life and health.” It also warned of possible hazards to the society.
In an official press release issued later, the NSS said that the individuals on the territory of the headquarters had been supplied with food, as well as the necessary medicines.
The regiment’s deputy commander, Colonel Artur Vanoyan, was killed in clashes with the armed group on Sunday. Three more policemen - Colonel Aram Hovhanissyan, Lieutenant Colonel Hrach Khosteghyan and a non-commissioned officer, Gagik Mkrtchyan, - were injured.
Hovhannisyan, who was wounded in the abdomen, underwent a surgery on Monday evening, He is now said to be under postoperative care.
Tatul Tamrazyan, a group member who was also hospitalized in the wake of the clashes, is reported to be “in a stable but grave condition after several surgeries”.
In a statement issued after modnight, the Armenian Police warned the population against organizing public marches to the police building which is now under special protection.