The police are acting professionally, the secretary of the parliamentary group of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia Hovhannes Sahakyan told ArmInfo on Monday, when asked to comment on the police's response to the ongoing action of protest against President Putin's visit to Armenia.
"There is nothing extraordinary in that action. Russia's policy in Armenia has both supporters and opponents. There is nothing bad in their wish to express their views. As regards the police, they are acting professionally. In the last months they have proved that they can be both competent and decisive," Sahakyan said.
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.