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“After these events the situation has changed, and Armenia won’t be the same, although it’s early to say whether it will be better or worse. That depends on the government,” Head of Modus Vivendi Centre, political scientist Ara Papian said during a press conference speaking about operations of “Daredevils of Sassoun” and the expected developments after the surrender of the group members.

According to him, judging from the statements of the members of the group, their main aim was to awaken the society, change its way of thinking, because it was in a “deep sleep” and couldn’t see any way out.

The political scientist noted that the authorities need to try to understand the reasons of why the public took that step so that to make some changes.

Ara Papian said that during these 15 days the shortcomings in the state administrative sector, the absence of an executive power, the silence of the majority of parliamentarians have become obvious. According to him, all this could create a bad background for holding parliamentary elections.

Concerning the law enforcement system, the political scientist said that the events at Khorenatsi Str. and Sari Tagh neighbourhood showed that despite all the grants allocated for reforms, the police didn’t change. “The police follow the Soviet methods. We’ve witnessed mass violations of human rights, including illegal detention, beating, humiliation, etc.”

Referring to the President’s statement, Papyan noted that he had the impression that the government will resort to repressive methods. Besides, as the political scientist comments, the President was only praising the law enforcement system, instead of dismissing several officers.

Speaking about the members of “Daredevils of Sassoun”, Papyan said that they are being subjected to illegal treatment, including humiliation, pressure on their family members, etc. “We say nothing should be resolved in Armenia by force and that concerns everybody”.

The political scientist considers labelling the members of the armed group “terrorists” wrong. “We can say this was an armed attempt to overthrow the constitutional government”.