An armed man stands inside the Erebuni police station seized by “Sasna Tsrer” movement members in Yerevan July 23, 2016.
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Riot police run to confront anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, clash with police in Yerevan, Armenia, Friday, July 29, 2016.
According to Aharonyan, the armed group that seized a police department on June 17 opened fire and killed the officer.
One police officer was killed, and several more were wounded inan exchange of gunfire that broke as the members of the group hit the gates of the police department with a track.
One of the medics has since been released, while 24 gunmen are still inside with three medics.
Police officers used flashbangs against the protesters and started detaining people near the Horenaci street, later forcing the demonstrators to retreat to the Saritagh neighbourhood, Sputnik writes.
It comes after Armenia’s security services issued an ultimatum to the gunmen, in a bid to resolve the lengthy hostage crisis after dozens were hurt in overnight clashes.
On Saturday, Armenia’s security service gave the gunmen until 5 p.m.to surrender and said otherwise its forces reserved the right to open fire without warning. It said a number of police officers was wounded before the security forces returned fire. We call for an immediate release of the medical staff that is being held hostage. “After the events of July 29, any opportunities to resolve the situation with the terrorists peacefully have been exhausted”.
The Health Ministry said 75 people needed medical treatment and 25 of them remained hospitalized Saturday, including six law enforcement officers.
Armenian police spokesman Ashot Aharonian promised in a Facebook post that the police will “immediately” investigate violent attacks on journalists from RFE/RL and other media outlets covering the protests. They also demand the resignation of President Serzh Sargsyan and the creation of a transitional government.
The European Union also called for an end to the stand-off.
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“Conflicts need to be resolved through political dialogue with a respect for democracy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms”.
