“IF THEY WANT, THEY CAN SHOOT”
Support A1+!Today the “Hayeli” Club hosted Republican MP Rafik Petrossian and “Heritage” member Larissa Alaverdian who debated over the recent amendments to the Law on “”Marches, Rallies and Demonstrations.” Rafik Petrossian tried to persuade his opponent that the disputed amendments are essential to prevent further clashes. He said the purpose of the law is to prevent rallies and marches for a while not to aggravate tension in Armenia until the President-elect overcomes tension in the country through social, political and other moves.
“The authorities are not always right. For example, four days before the March 1 tragic events I warned them to take drastic measures to prevent bloodshed.”
Citing the Prosecutor's Office Petrossian said that drugs, poles and weapon were found at Liberty Square. In reply to journalists' question that such stills can be shot in any flat, Petrossian said, “If they want, they can shoot.” Shortly afterwards he corrected his mistake saying, “If they find, they will shoot.”
Larissa Alaverdian says the amendments were introduced out of need in all haste during an extraordinary sitting. Even the best law which is passed so hastily cannot enjoy public confidence and be helpful to creating a climate for a public dialogue.None of the MPs, NGOs and mass media representatives had been familiarized with the amendments.
Rafik Petrossian compared the amendments with those of Finland, Estonia and Latvia. Larissa Alaverdian observed that none of the mentioned countries have had victims in suchlike cases.
The Heritage member also noted that the society doesn't confide in law-enforcement bodies.
Larissa Alaverdian says that the presumption of innocence is violated. “We don't know who killed whom. It is generally believed that the demonstrators incited a riot. A policeman and some demonstrators were killed in the result. But today nobody knows the reality. I urge the police, National Security Service and the Prosecutor's Office not to disseminate dubious news.”
