YEREVAN. - The rally of the “New Armenia” Public Salvation Front has kicked off in Yerevan’s Liberty Square today. (photos)
The rally was launched with the anthems of the Republic of Armenia and “New Armenia.”
Head of the “United Opposition Headquarters” Jirayr Sefilian and Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian are on the stand, as reported by Armenian News – NEWS.am correspondent. A representative of the “No” front struggling against the constitutional amendments is also expected to deliver a speech.
Leader of National Self Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikyan, Heritage party member Armen Martirosyan, Andrias Ghukasyan and Petros Makeyan are also in the Liberty Square.
Prior to the rally, member of the Founding Parliament Gevorg Safaryan and one more person were taken to the police station.
Yerevan Deputy Chief of Police Valeri Osipyan told Armenian News – NEWS.am that there was a suspicious item on Safaryan; the policemen asked to take it out and show them, but Safaryan refused and was thus detained.
Head of the “United Opposition Headquarters” Jirayr Sefilian announced that Safaryan was detained as he didn’t allow the policemen to search him. According to him, the police search everyone who enters the square, and have searched him too.
According to Armenian News – NEWS.am correspondent, the Liberty Square and the nearby streets are under an enhanced police control.
The organizers said they are launching around-the-clock rallies today, and will not go away unless they achieve change of power. Jirayr Sefilian urged the citizens to bring tents with them, although the Municipality of Yerevan refused the application of “New Armenia” requesting to allow installing tents in the Square.
The referendum on constitutional amendments will take place on December 6. Pursuant to the new draft Constitution, the country will make a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system of governance, and conduct completely proportional parliamentary elections.
