People in Syunik region block highway linking Armenia and Iran demanding drastic reform and peaceful resolution to standoff in Yerevan

Dozens in Syunik region have blocked the highway linking Armenia and Iran piling stones and old cars on it. The people demand the government to launch drastic reform and resolve the situation with the group “Daredevils of Sasoun” without bloodshed.

The Syunik residents say their villager was injured during the latest police violence in Yerevan. Police have arrived at the scene trying to persuade the people to unblock the highway. The standoff in Yerevan entered day 15, after Daredevils of Sasoun group seized the police compound in Yerevan demanding resignation of the president and release of the jailed opposition leader Jirayr Sefilyan. The situation on the territory adjacent to the building was calm in the morning, thought shots were heard from there later in the day. However, journalists still can get no information what is going on behind the police cordons.

From yesterday the streets adjacent to the building were cut off electricity. Meanwhile, yesterday gunshots were heard in this district. Protest in support of Daredevils of Sasoun finished late at night yesterday at Baghramyan Avenue. To note, almost all the leaders of the protest movement have been arrested. However, the protesters said they are going to continue the protest on Liberty Square at 8:00 pm on July 31.

To recall, on July 17 an armed group calling itself Daredeivls of Sasoun seized the police regiment building in Erebuni district of Yerevan. During the seizure one policeman was killed, 4 were injured. On July 30 Police informed about death of one more police officer. Some members of the group have been wounded.