Epress.am News from Armenia
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 [some cars to get through]. Akhuryan police chief Yengoyan said, ‘I have orders, it’s good that I’m not allowing [the cars to get through]’,” 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.