Citizens Attempt to Block Baghramyan Avenue; Environmentalist Ani Khachatryan Detained

In a protest sign, citizens have just blocked Baghramyan Avenue. Police are urging citizens not to disrupt traffic. As a result, the police detained environmentalist Ani Khachatryan. The police managed to open traffic, but the situation in this area remains tense at this moment. A scuffle has begun between the citizens and the police.

Anna Shahnazaryan expressed dissatisfaction that they are not allowed to hold a public discussion in the National Assembly Park after a meeting on the Amulsar issue at 26 Baghramyan. "We decided to use the National Assembly Park, which is a public space, for discussions, yet the police do not allow it," she said. The environmentalist considered this action illegal, stating that the police's explanation that the gates to the park were closed for security reasons is unlawful.

"There is no legal basis here. A public park is public; now as many people can enter, drink water here. So is it allowed to wash carpets here, but people are not allowed to enter and hold discussions? Should we bring carpets from home and fill them with water for washing, will that be allowed? A series of repressions has begun; people are simply trying to enter a public space, and violence is being exercised," she added.

It is reminded that today, a discussion on the operation of the Amulsar mine was called by the Prime Minister at 26 Baghramyan. Dissatisfied environmentalists announced their intention to organize a public discussion in the National Assembly Park, while the police did not allow entry to the park. Afterward, activists lay down on the sidewalk in protest.