International Herald Tribune, France
Jan 16 2009
Police disperse protest in Armenia
The Associated PressPublished: January 16, 2009
YEREVAN, Armenia: Police in Armenia have dispersed protesters calling
for the release of defendants accused of inciting violence following
last year’s presidential election.
Several scuffles erupted as police broke up a group of about 500
opposition supporters outside the courthouse in the capital, Yerevan,
on Friday.
It was the first significant conflict since clashes between police and
demonstrators claiming fraud in Armenia’s presidential vote last
February. Ten people died and hundreds were injured.
A former foreign minister and three lawmakers are among seven people
being tried together on charges including attempting to seize power
and inciting the riots.
Court officials said proceedings were postponed for a sixth time
because of constant disruptions from the defendants.