Police detain man who threw bottle at Hrant Bagratyan (video)
18.00 The citizen, who threw a bottle at lawmaker Hrant Bagratyan during the protest near the parliament building, has been detained. The protesters said they did not know the man well enough, they only knew that he was a freedom fighter. The protest ended after the group learnt that the legislature will not discuss the agreement today. Protesters to Republican lawmakers: Traitors! 14.22 Citizens demanding the legislature to reject an agreement between Russia and Armenia on creating a united regional air defense system in the Caucasian collective security region are now heading to the other entrance of the National Assembly. On the way they met a group of Republican MPs who they welcomed shouting, “Traitors!” A woman protester told lawmaker Lernik Alexanyan that lawmakers have no right to make a decision without considering the opinion of citizens. “Legislators receive salaries from the payments of citizens and they are obliged to take into account our opinion,” she said. Khosrov harutyunyan, another Republican lawmaker, had to stop and answer the protesters’ questions but his answers and explanations did not sound convincing for the group. Plainclothes police officers as well as those in police uniforms are guarding the area. 13.25 Around 100 people representing different initiatives have gathered outside the parliament building in Armenia demanding the legislature to reject an agreement between Russia and Armenia on creating a united regional air defense system in the Caucasian collective security region They are carrying posters that read “We do not have airspace to place under Russian control,” “This is another act of treason!” Earlier, the group said they would hold sit-in protest at the beginning of Baghramyan Avenue if the NA approves the agreement.
