01:42, 8 November 2013

Yerevan hosts action in support of detained participants of "Million Mask March"

After disorders during "Million Mask March" in Mashtots Avenue. Yerevan, November 5, 2013. Photo by Armine Martirosyan for the "Caucasian Knot"

Relatives of detainees during "Million Mask March" have demonstrated in Yerevan demanding to release them. The action was about 40 people strong, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Let us remind you that that the "Million Mask March" took place in Yerevan on November 5. According to the police, some participants were throwing smoke bombs and "Molotov cocktails". Eight policemen suffered during disorders; 37 persons were detained; and 20 of them were arrested.

The relatives demanded fair investigation and expressed their concern over the statement by Nikol Pashinyan, an MP from the ANC, that policemen had used force against to the detainees.

The Armenian Police denied any use of force, treating Pashinyan's statement as "provocation and blackmail."

Mikael Danielyan, a human rights activist and the Chairman of the Armenian Helsinki Association, believes Shant Arutyunyan, the leader of "Tsegakron", to be a political prisoner.

In the context of the incident on November 5, the "Human Rights Defence" issued a statement expressing a concern about "violations of the Armenian criminal procedure legislation by police leaders."

Author: Armine Martirosyan

Source: CK correspondent