Opposition troika: Authorities are hiding behind children
The three opposition forces in Armenia say the authorities are doing everything, even applying disgraceful methods, to hinder opposition’s rallies in provinces and reduce the number of participants. “The authorities have applied similar methods in Hrazdan, Sisian and Kapan. Without achieving any results, in Ararat city the authorities simply decided ‘to hide behind children’ on the day of our gathering," the three forces said in a statement issued on Friday. "The mayor of Ararat authorized retroactively a children’s concert to be held in V. Sargsyan Square at 5.00, October 3, at the same time rejecting opposition’s notification to hold a rally at the square on the same day. The Council of Elders of the Ararat City Hall protested against the mayor’s decision and demanded to call a special session to annul the illegal decision. However, the mayor ignored their demand. The opposition trio will continue to act within the law and will be able to overcome any obstacle and illegality but we cannot do anything when we see children standing before us. The joint rally of the Prosperous Armenia Party, the Armenian National Congress and Heritage will be held at 5.00 October 3 in Shahumyan Square in Ararat. We expect to see more participants at the rally despite the authorities’ efforts to hinder our rallies," the said.
