Valeri Osipyan to protester: Do not say heartbreaking things!
No one aimed to impede the work of Sanitek Ltd, political activist Andrias Ghukasyan said in Baghramyan Avenue minutes ago. Sanitek is a garbage collecting company whose trash containers were brought to the avenue from nearby areas last week to build a barricade between protesters and police officers. “The dumpsters were used to distance police officers and protesters as it was impossible to ensure the safety of people in the tense situation,” he added. Mr Ghukasyan urged the police to discontinue the criminal case filed against the activists over the use of dustbins. “Whom are you suing? Us? You want to attack and water us, but blame the violence on others,” one of the protesters told Valeri Osipyan, Deputy Chief of the Yerevan Police. Talking to reporters gathered on the avenue, Ospiyan reiterated that Sanitek wants its property back and said that each dustbin costs about 300,000 drams. “The dumpsters have their place in the city. They [demonstrators] brought from neighbouring streets. Perhaps, there are at least 20 dumpsters here,” he said. Asked whether they cannot be replaced, Mr Osipyan said, “No we cannot and we shall not.” Then addressing the protesters, he continued, “If you do not know the law, it does not mean you can evade responsibility. You actions will receive a legal assessment.” “What will you give us in return of the dumpsters?” asked a protester. “Why should I give you anything?” Osipyan said. “Where are the guarantees that we shall not have to endure jets of water at 5 o’clock in the morning and be forced off the avenue? There are many girls, women, children and elderly people among the protesters,” the protester continued. “Do not say heartbreaking things, young man! If police want to maintain order, dumpsters will not hinder us,” Osipyan said. “We are ready to go to court but we shall not give the dumpsters back,” said the activist. The protesters began banging the dumpsters and saying, “We shall not return!”
