The Armenian Police have released a statement in relation to the action of protest against Armenia's decision on accession to the Customs Union. The action started in Liberty Square on Dec 2.
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The statement says that while maintaining the public order the Armenian police remain committed to their principles. The police call on the activists to act within the limits of the law.
The police say that the actions of civil activists hinder the traffic and restrict the possibility to use the pavements, alleys and other public places. Thus, such actions violate the public order and limit the constitutional rights of other persons.
The Police stress that the persons who had made a number of violations during the protest action were not arrested but were just taken to the police station and set free some time later. A total of 12 people were taken to the police department of Yerevan.
The Police call on the citizens to abstain from violations, to carry out the police's demands and to give no ground for more tension. In the meantime, the Police warn that according to Article 29 Part 1 of the Armenian Law on Police, a policeman can use physical force or special devices.
"In every case of violation of public order, violation of other citizens' rights, ignoring of the law, the police will act within the law and will even use special devices", says the statement.
To note, protest actions against the Russian president's visit to Armenia started early in the morning on 2 December. Activists were holding banners "Serzhik's father has arrived!" and "No Customs Colonization!" in the city. Earlier today, activists hanged a colorful bathrobe and a boot over the underground passage in Khanjyan Street.
The police and the activists clashed in Amiryan Street, and about 20 people were detained. ArmInfo's correspondent reported from the scene that the police were severely beating the activists, including women and journalists. People are also chanting "Serzhik, go away!" out of the windows of their houses and offices.