MP Artsvik Minasyan from the opposition Hayastan alliance on Saturday denounced the Armenian authorities for the brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters during anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan late on Friday.

Dozens were injured in clashes between riot police and opposition demonstrators that erupted near the government villas in central Yerevan. Police officers used stun grenades and detained scores of protesters.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan’s France Square, Minasyan accused the Armenian leadership of “hooliganism” and disregard of democracy.

“Some 50 episodes confirm the use of violence by police officers or criminals wearing police uniforms, who inflicted injuries on citizens, in some case resorting to life-threatening actions,” the lawmaker said.

“Scores of people, including civilians and police officers, have been injured, and those who ordered clampdown on the peaceful protest are responsible for it,” he added.