Amid escalating tensions in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, police chief Acham Ovanisyan has spoken out about the controversial use of stun grenades and other special means against protesters.
According to Report that cites Armenian media outlets, when questioned by journalists, Ovanisyan responded defiantly, stating, "They did the right thing. Count how many bottles fell on my head. Behave yourselves. What do you expect us to do, allow them to stab each other? Do you see what people are doing? Don't provoke me; I don't want to answer your questions."
The protests in Yerevan have been ongoing for several days, with demonstrators expressing their discontent over various political and social issues. The situation has gradually intensified, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
20:23
The streets of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, erupted in chaos as police began using stun grenades against protesters who gathered near the parliament building.
Report informs via Armenian media that the situation escalated following a sudden surge of people in the park adjacent to the parliament, though the exact cause remains unclear.
In an attempt to push back the protesters, police resorted to deploying flashbangs, aiming to disperse the crowd away from the parliament's fence.
Amidst the tumult, voices could be heard urging protesters not to retaliate against the police actions. The number and severity of casualties are yet to be confirmed.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was reportedly seen hastily leaving the parliament building as the unrest unfolded outside.
18:26
Tensions boiled over in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, as clashes erupted between police and protesters who gathered outside the country's parliament building.
The confrontation began as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian was delivering a speech inside the legislative chamber, Report informs via Armenian media.
Angry demonstrators attempted to break through the cordon surrounding the parliament, while security forces struggled to push back the advancing crowd. The situation quickly escalated, with reports of more than 40 protesters being detained by law enforcement.