NSS chief arrives in Ijevan following clashes between law enforcement and residents
The Chief of Armenia’s National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan has arrived in Ijevan following the clashes on Wednesday evening between police officers and residents. Vanetsyan refused to talk to media, instead suggesting to come up with comments later.
Police Chief Valery Osipyan has been in the city since Wednesday. As reported earlier, special forces of the Police were sent today to the town to maintain law and order.
A group of citizens blocked on Wednesday the Yerevan-Ijevan highway protesting against recently adopted legislation of criminalization of forest logging. The clashes erupted when the police forces tried to unblock the highway. As a result of the skirmishes 12 police officers and one civilian were hospitalized with injuries of various gravity.
The Investigative Committee has launched criminal investigation over the incident with 13 people arrested charged with hooliganism and violence against law enforces.