Ara Khachatourian
As a standoff continues after a group calling itself the “Daredevils
of Sasoun” seized a police station in Yerevan on Sunday, July 17, 2016, an appalling
reality is taking shape across the city, which warrants addressing
because it goes counter to any resolution that might be on the horizon
for the crisis at hand. It can be said that the situation stems from the
public’s desperation and exacerbation of the current socio-economic
situation in Armenia.
Unfortunately, the use of force against the citizens of Armenia has
become commonplace by law enforcement. Throughout the years, we have
seen disturbing images emanating from Armenia of police using force
against protesters, many of the young and energetic post-independence
generation of men and women who have chosen to advance the future of
their country by staying in the homeland and fighting injustice rather
than leave Armenia for a presumed better life.
What makes the most recent episode more disturbing is the tenuous
climate that has been created as a result of the police station seizure
and the ensuing hostage crisis. This situation requires a more calm and
stable approach from law enforcement than actions that might instigate
violence and uncivil disobedience.
It is ironic that the same authorities, which on Saturday called for
“stability and order… based on democracy, human rights and fundamental
freedoms” in Turkey after that country’s failed coup is now employing
brutal violence against its own people, who are calling for stability
and order based on democracy by using their human rights and fundamental
freedoms.
The events of the past three days must become a catalyst for
Armenia’s leaders to change course and engage in dialogue with the
citizens of Armenia for a better future. After all, wasn’t the adoption
of a new Constitution supposed to usher in a more equitable and
democratic Armenia?
"Asbarez," July 19, 2016
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