Police Blocked Drivers' Protest. General Prosecutor's Office Not Responding

A protest by Vanadzor owners of cars with Georgian plates, which Gyumri drivers were to join, was to take place today at noon; however, police prohibited the action.

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office Director and human rights activist Artur Sakunts told Epress.am that police were unlawfully blocking citizens from participating in the rally.

"There's a group of cars which clearly they aren't letting pass. In the beginning, the police were explaining the barricade as a result of poor weather conditions, and at one point, the flow of cars had completely stopped. They they began to selectively allow . Akhuryan police chief Yengoyan said, 'I have orders, it's good that I'm not allowing '," explained Sakunts.

The human rights activist informed Epress.am that they have informed OSCE representative Carel Hofstra of this situation, as well as calling the prosecutor general's office to submit a report; however, the person who answered the phone said he wasn't the person responsible for accepting reports and that the prosecutor general was on a break. After that, Sakunts' calls weren't answered at the prosecutor general's office.

Note, for a long time, police also didn't permit Gyumri-based Asparez Journalists' Club President Levon Barseghyan from approaching the area near the town of Jajur.

Recall, since Feb. 5, a few dozen drivers have been protesting increased customs tariffs for cars imported into Armenia from Georgia.