“ARREST WAS ORDERED”
00:00, October 24, 2007 | Freedom of Assembly and Association“Yesterday’s arrest was surely ordered,” “Alternative” Initiative leader Nikol Pashinian informed A1+.
Reminder, October 23 the participants of a march initiated by theե Alternative” Initiative were detained at the intersection of Abovian and Koryun streets for distributing leaflets on the October 26 rally.
Some high-ranking police officials went up to the participants and asked to stop the march. The Alternative members presented to the policemen the provisions of the law stipulating such marches. After a heated argument special operation forces used tear gas against the participants and took them into custody.
The police arrested Nichol Pashinian, Petros Makeyan, member of the Alternative and leader of the Democratic Country Party, Shogher Matevossian, editor of “Chorord Ishkhanutiun,” Michael Hairapetian, leader of the Conservative Party, David Matevosian and Tevos Matevosan.
They were released at 3:20 a.m.
According to Pashinian they were released thanks to Levon Ter-Petrossian and public pressure.
They were forced to set us free Otherwise, thousands of people would gather near the police station in the morning to back us.
Pashinian assures that their steps were compliant with the law.
To note, today the detainees hold a press conference at 5:00 on yesreday’s events.