Epress.am News from Armenia
A 4th brigade has been added to what had become till now 3 brigades of activists intending to dismantle kiosks placed in a central Yerevan park. Recall, environmental and civic activists for over a month and a half have been protesting what they say is the illegal construction of shops in Mashtots Park, one of the few remaining green spaces in the downtown core.
In a letter to RA Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan, the activists list the names of the members of their newest brigade:
1. Gurgen Atonyan
2. Vardan Balayan
3. Suren Grigoryan
4. Argishti Kivryan
5. Nvard Manasyan
6. Artak Movsisyan
7. Zaruhi Muradyan
8. Hakob Jagharyan
9. Vardan Haykazyan
10. Gagik Faradyan
The authors of the letter state that the demolition will be carried out in an organized fashion, without breaching public order, with professional methods and tools, without causing harm to the property owners.
Furthermore, activists ask the police chief ensure the aforementioned citizens’ free movement to the pavilions to carry out the demolition work, and to ensure public order during the demolition and the safety of those carrying out the work.
This is not the first time activists have issued a letter with similar demands to the police chief. Recently, an attempt to approach the kiosks was met with resistance from the police, which says such actions by activists are considered unlawful and will be met with the full force of the law.