Are two rallies in Freedom Square possible?
"The new RA law "On Freedom of Rallies" is a step forward than the previous law and there is no new or bigger obstacle," said Yerevan Municipality authorized representative Gagik Baghdasaryan while touching upon the opposition's questions regarding the law.
The Armenian National Congress is particularly concerned with the demand of the new law stating that rally organizers should state the approximate number of participants. The ANC has stated that there will be 100,000 people attending the rally scheduled at Freedom Square on May 31. According to ANC representatives, that may serve as a reason for the police to impede the rally due to lack of participants.
"The police won't impede it. Nobody can say the event won't take place if there are 110-120,000 people," said Gagik Baghdasaryan, adding that the number of participants is necessary for the municipality to be able to support the normal process.
Is the municipality discussing the logic of whether that many participants will fit in Freedom Square or not? In response, Baghdasaryan said "the opportunities of organizers" is taken into account when an offer for a specific site is made.
"If they find that they can ensure the participation of everyone at the specific area, there is no problem. Only specific articles of the law deny the holding of a rally," said Baghdasaryan.
As far as mentioning the technical equipment to be used during the rally in the notice is concerned, Gagik Baghdasaryan said though there was no such demand in the previous law, the new law has been adapted and corresponds to the demands stated in the laws of European countries.
One of the other issues concerning the opposition is the holding of several rallies on the same day, at the same hour and place.
The municipality's authorized representative assured that the municipality would allow both rallies if they don't disturb each other.
"If there is not going to be a clash, we can allow 2 rallies. If there will be a clash, we give preference to the notice that was given earlier."
How do you know whether there will be a clash or not? In response, Gagik Baghdasaryan mentioned that the municipality is guided by the professional opinions of police officers. The municipality sends each notice of a rally to the RA Police as well.
