YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan has launched his personal investigation into the Tuesday events in Baghramyan Avenue.
The human rights defender has sent questions to Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan, head of special investigation service Vahram Shahinyan, Healthcare Minister Armen Muradyan setting the deadline for answers at three days.
Members of the “No to Plunder” initiative marched to president’s residence on Tuesday in a protest against hike in electricity prices. The police, however, blocked Baghramian Avenue, and subsequently, a sit-in was staged on the avenue.
On early Tuesday morning, the police dispersed the demonstration by using water cannon, and detained many activists and journalists, including an Armenian News-News.am reporter. As a result of the clash, eighteen people sought medical assistance in hospitals, and 237 people were detained. A criminal case on charges of hooliganism has been launched.