Epress.am News from Armenia
The Khudoyan family from Etchmiadzin who had been protesting outside the presidential palace until Dec. 2 when they were forcibly removed came to Yerevan today to collect their belongings, which were left behind.
The two adults and their four children had staged a sit-in since Nov. 28. The several men in civilian clothes who picked them up on Monday broke their cell phone, then cleared the area of clothes, warm blankets, and other personal belongings, which, however, weren't returned to the family.
Speaking to Epress.am, Ashot Khudoyan said that for 2 days he's been unable to determine where their belongings are. Furthermore, he is sure that they were picked up by Etchmiadzin police. Earlier, police spokesperson Armen Malkhasyan informed Epress.am that they don't know who removed the Khudoyans from their place of protest.
Khudoyan's wife, Heghine Makaryan, said that from Dec. 2 till the morning of Dec. 3 the family was under house arrest, and they tried to inform the police but their statement was not accepted.
In Yerevan on Wednesday, Ashot Khudoyan asked the police officers guarding the presidential residence to return everything they left behind during the protest. Police officers said their belongings are in a safe place, that is, at the Marshal Baghramyan metro station, and advised Khudoyan to ask for assistance by calling 102 (the number for the police).
For several hours, the couple negotiated with the officers on duty to be allowed to get their things, but the latter said they are not authorized to provide the items: "We don't know who dragged them into the metro".
Later, the Khudoyans were allowed to get their belongings; however, Ashot's mobile phone and wallet containing 20,000 AMD (about $50 USD) were missing. Later, Khudoyan was informed that his mobile phone is at the Arabkir district police station. When the couple went to collect it, they were told the person in charge is in a meeting. After waiting for an hour, the couple was told to come back at 11 am on Dec. 5.