237 citizens detained by police

237 citizens were arrested from Baghramyan Avenue and the territory near the Liberty Square on June 23 for violating the public order. Armenpress was informed about this by Armen Malkhasyan –officer of the Public Relations and Information Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia. As for the number of the arrested journalists, Armen Malkhasyan noted that the journalists are released. In response to the question whether the equipments taken from the journalists will be returned, Armen Malkhasyan noted, “Of course, they will be returned if they were taken.” When asked what will happen if the equipments were broken during the arrest, Malkhasyan said, “We will find out in the future who broke and how.”

During long negotiations, the police of the Republic of Armenia suggested the protesters leaving the protest sight in order to restore the public order. It was also announced for a few times through a loudspeaker that the President of the Republic of Armenia is eager to listen to the protesters’ demands. However, the demonstrators turned down the offer to meet with the President.

As it is mentioned in the statement provided to Armenpress by the Public Relations and Information Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia, the organizers of the march also turned down the admonishments and requests of the police. Guided by the laws of the Republic of Armenia, the police applied to the organizers of the protest with the demand to stop the illegal march but the organizers didn’t obey. The police warned that in case of disobeying the lawful requirements of the police or counteraction, the march will no longer be considered peaceful and will be stopped. The police suggested the protestors returned to Liberty Square and continued their protest action there but this suggestion yielded no result. The police used physical force and special measures towards the violators. The police dispersed the demonstration by using water cannon, and detained a number of activists and journalists protesting against the increase in the electricity price.