Epress.am News from Armenia
Karabakh War veteran Susanna Margaryan was detained by police today at around 2:15 pm from Liberty Square, taken to Kentron Police Division, and released after 15 minutes. Speaking to Epress.am, Margaryan said that she was at Liberty Square around 1 pm, where she organized an action, asking passers-by for 10 drams so that she can collect 20,000 AMD (about $50 USD) to pay an administrative fine.
"For releasing a cat and mouse outside the government building I was taken to the police station and fined 20,000 AMD. I don't have a job; I don't receive a pension; I have no source of income; and everyone knows this. I have openly declared that I have no way to pay the fine, but no one took that fact into consideration; moreover, every day they force me to make the payment. And today I was forced to come from Shengavit [administrative district of Yerevan] to Liberty Square by foot, and I’m asking for money from random people — 10 drams each, so that I can collect the necessary amount, but police officers aren’t allowing me. What should I do — hang myself and commit suicide because of them? We fought against the Turks [referring to Azerbaijanis]so that we can be worthy of this beggar’s life? Police officers are now taking [me] to the station, claiming that I'm not using public space appropriately," she said.
At the station, a group of officers spoke with Margaryan, urged her not to organize such actions, and then released her.