Epress.am News from Armenia
Armenian police in a statement issued Thursday warned the activists who for one-and-a-half months have been protesting shop construction in a downtown Yerevan park that the actions they have planned for Mar. 31 are not protected by the freedom of assembly.
Recall, environmental and civic activists two days ago issued an open letter to RA Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan, informing him that they will be dismantling the kiosks in Mashtots Park themselves on Mar. 31 at 1 pm. In the letter, they also asked him to ensure not only the maintenance of public order while they carry out their demolition work, but also the safety of those carrying out the work.
“The noted lawless acts might be considered legal offenses and elicit a response as defined by law. The police once again recall that the administrative act established on implementing construction work in this area can be disputed only in court. Any action that restricts the constitutional rights of others, including obstructs the realization of property rights and maintenance of public order and threats the ensuring of public safety, will be viewed as a violation of regulation and in the case of legal grounds will lead to the use of coercion. Police once again urge and demand [activists] to refrain from committing illegal acts, making threats and unnecessarily escalating the situation,” reads the police statement.