YEREVAN. - Opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) issued a statement on detainment and violence against its young activists on Tuesday as well as subsequent criminal case filed against them.

Armenian New-NEWS.am publishes the text of the statement:

“Violations and suppressions against ANC supporters do not seem to end. This time the police exerted violence against Tigran Araqelyan and Artak Karapetyan. When six other young activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kiramijyan tried to intervene and smooth the situation, the policemen severely beat them and took to Kentron police department.

This, however, does not exhaust the list of iniquities. Specifically, the police forbid to provide medical assistance to the young people. Even as the First Aid Service doctor affirmed the injuries, the young men did not pass forensic medical examination and their injuries have not been registered, while this procedure has been applied to the policemen.

The lawyers, who arrived to the police department in 20 minutes after the detention, were allowed inside only in 40 minutes. However they were not allowed to be involved in the case, which is an outright violation of law. Moreover, the lawyers were illegally deprived of freedom of movement for one hour. In these circumstances the police made an illegal decision of apprehension.

Armenian National Congress (ANC) condemns this provocation, viewing it as authorities’ response to debates on the necessity of early elections.

We demand the immediate release of all young people and rightful punishment of all police officers who used violence against them and their lawyers."