Armenian MP to Police Officer: ‘Have You Been Subject to Violence Today?’

Yerevan street vendors were again protesting the city’s ban on street trade outside the government building today. Joining protestors were Heritage Party MPs Zaruhi Postanjyan and Armen Martirosyan.

Recall, last Thursday police were quite rough with protestors (including the MPs) during the same demonstration. Today, the situation was much calmer and police were not hindering the protest.

Nevertheless, protesting vendors told Epress.am that prior to the start of the demonstration, police officers had detained a few people.

“They took Narine and Heghine, along with their flowers. And we don’t know where they took them; they took them so we become afraid and don’t go,” said one woman.

On the scene were a few dozen police officers led by Police Patrol Service of Armenia Deputy Chief Khachik Avetisyan, to whom Postanjyan was directing questions during the entire time:

“Mr. Avetisyan, in your opinion, has anyone used brutal force today? Mr. Avetisyan, have you been subject to violence today? Mr. Avetisyan, are you frightened, are you afraid, today, one week ago, are you frightened? Mr. Avetisyan, do you see dreams, do you sleep well [at night]? Mr. Avetisyan, do you seen instigators in your dreams? Mr. Avetisyan, we have questions for you connected to your life and your health.”

Postanjyan was expecting the police statement according to which a week ago, the deputies “violated public order, engaged in illegal activities and displayed indecent public behavior.”

Avetisyan, in response to the MP’s questions, said all questions can be directed to their press service and responded only to one of Postanjyan’s questions: “Unlike you, I sleep well [at night].”

Postanjyan also approached a group of individuals in civilians clothes standing by the government building and asked what mission they are fulfilling.

“Hello, are you demonstrators, what are you doing here, what service are you carrying out?” However, the MP received no response from the group of men, who Postanjyan assumed might be plainclothes officers.