Armenia: State of Emergency No More
Image: Post-Election Protest Demonstration, Yerevan © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2008
Onnik Krikorian writes about a demonstration in Armenia following the expiration of the state of emergency. He also posts some parties’ concerns about the authenticity of a dramatized and edited video that showed police shooting toward protesters. Interestingly, the video appeared on the Internet about ten days after the actual post-election unrest – raising the possibility of a some level of fabrication.
Nonetheless, given that at least one non-activist, who was on his way to home when he discovered himself surrounded by protesters and the police, was killed with a bullet on his forehead strongly suggests that police have shot toward the protesters. Furthermore, as an Associate Press photo testifies, just past Friday (after the authorities lifted a 20-day state of emergency) a riot policeman used “an electroshock device to disperse opposition supporters in Yerevan.”
Image: (AP Photo/Photolure, Mkhitar Khachatryan) .(AP Photo/Photolure, Mkhitar Khachatryan)
3 Responses to “Armenia: State of Emergency No More”
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RP on 23 Mar 2008 at 6:46 pm #
what are you talking about!
every day we hear on TV that we
live in the most peaceful and democratic country in the world!!!!!!!!!
Onnik Krikorian on 23 Mar 2008 at 11:45 pm #
Regarding the video, I sent the link to the BBC and their Moscow Bureau determined that they a) couldn’t determine what was being fired from the guns and b) had concerns about the editing.
Basically, there needs to be a thorough independent investigation with proper analysis of the original materials used to make this edit as well as proper autopsies on all the victims.
I’d also like to know the exact circumstances of why live ammunition was apparently being used by the military and also whether the bullet wounds reportedly inflicted on police meant that some protesters were armed.
Incidentally, at least one of the dead was apparently shot on their balcony by a bullet fired up in the air. Some foreign journalists also say they saw a lot of ricochets. However, until someone independent steps in to investigate matters, everything is unclear.
This should be a first priority, I think, but I’m not sure who would satisfy both the government and the opposition. I think it is also important to prosecute anyone on either side responsible for violence. Unfortunately, I don’t suppose they’ll agree.
Onnik Krikorian on 24 Mar 2008 at 9:08 am #
Incidentally, one thing about the Armenia Now article. Why didn’t they approach the morgue for details as well which would be normal for any journalist? If the morgue failed or declined to respond it could be mentioned, but there is an URGENT need to have independent and comprehensive reports. For example, what type of bullet, what was the angle of entrance, from what distance, and so on. All of these things matter.