Protest march participants detained
A group of Armenian citizens who staged a protest march in downtown Yerevan were taken to the Police Kentron Department today morning. They were detained for protesting against involvement of Russian troops in today's military parade at Yerevan's Republic Square.
The group was to march from Saryan Park to Liberty Square. The police seized their posters which read, "Armenia is not part of Russia," "We say no to foreign flags," "Armenia is independent country." Further, the police warned the group against continuing the action and promised to take them to the police station.
Levon Barseghyan, head of the Gyumri-based Journalists Club Asbarez and one of the key organizers of the march, said they were not going to stop the protest in any case.
Hardly had the march started, when five participants were taken under detention.
The group earlier posted a statement on Facebook inviting those who believe that foreign countries' flags and troops have no place in the military parade to participate in the protest march.
They were angered by the decision allowing Russian troops to march in the military parade dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Independence of Armenia with the Russian flag.
Levon Barseghyan is among the detainees.
