Vladmilir Gasparyan: Independence gave us lawmakers (video)
Chief of the Armenian Police Vladimir Gasparyan today spoke about the “dance” of Armenian policemen on September 12 when they dispersed the demonstrators protesting on Baghramyan Avenue against the increased electricity prices. “One needs to dance after bathing. Are you displeased with it?” Mr Gasparyan said laughing. “Calm down, today is a public holiday. Put aside politics for a day,” he added. Will the police continue to disperse crowds in the same way? In reply to a journalist’s question the Chief of the Armenian Police said, “Not only by dancing, but also by signing.” In reply to A1+ what the 24 years of independence gave Armenia, Mr Gasparyan said, “The most important is that people got a chance to express themselves, to create and build. It [independence] gave us a parliament, lawmakers. Do you understand it?” With regard to the draft constitutional amendments, he said, “Discussions are underway and I think you will find people who will express better opinions than I do. Go and talk to MPs who stand closer to people and have more information [than I do]. We are servants of the rule of law.” Vladimir Gasparyan also answered a question about the newly-formed NO movement, a pressure group campaigning against the planned rise in electricity tariffs. “What will the police do if the pressure group starts protests?” a journalist asked the police official. In answer to the question, Mr Gasparyan said, “Every person has the right to express an opinion but he should act within the law, otherwise, we shall dance again.”
