19:46, 7 March 2014

Detained protesters against pension reform released in Yerevan

Rally against new pension system, organized by initiative group DEM.AM. Yerevan, February 6, 2014. Photo by Armine Martirosya for the ‘Caucasian Knot’.

In Yerevan, the police have released three protesters against the pension reform earlier detained in front of the Ministry of Finance. They may be administratively fined.

The protest was held by the Internet community DEM.AM, formed by opponents of the new accumulative pension system. They blocked the road in front of the Ministry; and the police detained three of them.

"At the police station, they told me that I was detained for non-fulfilment of police's demand. However, there was no demand on their part," said journalist Akop Arshakyan, one of the detainees.

According to his story, cameras recorded the moment, and he will certainly go to court against the police.

During the today's action, another person was detained, who attempted self-immolation. A 67-year-old man came to the Ministry of Finance with his saving books, stating that "he had worked all his life, saved up money in banks, and finally lost everything." Saying that he was in a serious social situation, and saw no reason to live on, the man poured gasoline over himself. However, activists and policemen managed to prevent his further actions.

Author: Armine Martirosyan

Source: CK correspondent