The EU demands the release of those detained during protests in Yerevan

The European Union (EU) has called for the immediate release of those detained during a rally in Yerevan. They have the right to freedom of assembly, said EU diplomat spokesperson Maja Kocjancic.

“The European Union expects the Armenian authorities to fully respect this right and to apply the law fairly and proportionately in accordance with Armenia’s international obligations, including under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” she said.

Kocjancic added that it is necessary to ensure a dialogue between protesters and government officials for a peaceful settlement of the internal political crisis in Armenia.

Earlier it was reported that the number of detainees in Yerevan reached 233. According to Interfax , seven were hospitalized during the dispersal of protesters by the police. In addition, were detained on charges of organizing illegal mass meetings. the leader of the opposition movement Nikol Pashinyan and deputies Ararat Mirzoyan and Sasun Mikayelyan

Opposition protests have been going on in Yerevan since April 13. People oppose the appointment of former President Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister of Armenia. On Saturday, the police detained more than 100 oppositionists, and more than 200 the day before.

On April 22, Sargsyan left the negotiations with Pashinyan three minutes after they began. The oppositionist wanted to discuss the conditions for the resignation of the prime minister, but he accused him of blackmail and left the place of negotiations.