17:44, 28 April 2004

Armenian opposition hold another meeting, police detain its participants

The meeting arranged by the Justice bloc, the National Unity party, and the Armenian Communist Party on April 27 started with slogans "Robert, resign".

Aram Sargsian [a member of the political council of the Republic party and former prime minister] stated that the opposition gave the authorities seven days to meet the following demands: to stop political persecution, to release illegally convicted opposition activists from prison, to grant air time on the central channel to representatives of the opposition, to stop violence and terror against opposition activists. "If the power doesn't respond to our demands by May 4, we will undertake resolute actions," said Aram Sargsian.

As reported by the press service of the Republic party, 14 activists of this party were detained after the meeting. Police reportedly forced four people in cars and took them away. The police have not announced names of the detained people so far. The other 10 activists of the party were detained in the town of Charentsavan.

Editors note: See also the article "Armenian opposition to hold decisive meeting on April 27".

Author: Ashot Ter-Grigorian, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot