YEREVAN. – A total of 23 people, among them the son of Nikol Pashinyan—“My Step” initiative leader, opposition Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) of Armenia “Way Out” (Yelk) Faction head—on Friday were detained and taken to the central police department of capital city Yerevan.

“Way Out” Faction MP Edmon Marukyan, who arrived at this police station, informed about the aforesaid.

According to the police, eleven of these persons were detained for not obeying the police orders.

“The remaining twelve people were detained within the framework of the criminal case, and they actually shall be questioned after documentation,” Marukyan added. “The attorneys noted that they will actually be given a witness status [in this criminal case].”

Police officers, including those in civilian clothes, are detaining demonstrators, and, moreover, with non-police vehicles.

Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday announced that on Friday, they will resume their protest action of total blockade of Yerevan streets. Also, he noted that they will close off subway stations, too, and called on everyone to either not go to work or to join them on Friday.

Pashinyan and his supporters are staging protests in Yerevan ever since April 13, and by marching, holding rallies, as well as blocking streets and squares. They protest against ex-President Serzh Sargsyan being elected Prime Minister of Armenia.

As a result of the clashes during these demonstrations, 46 people—including Pashinyan—were injured, and police detained several dozen people, including minors.

In addition, a criminal case has been filed into the protesters’ bursting into the Public Radio of Armenia building and regarding an incident that occurred at an intersection in downtown Yerevan.

Ex-President Serzh Sargsyan was elected Prime Minister at Tuesday’s NA special session, and by a vote of 77 for and 18 against.