45 Injured In Armenia Protest Over Hostage Crisis

MEP: At least 45 people including 25 police officers were injured in clashes in the Armenian capital of Yerevan as protesters marched over hostages taken by armed men on July 17 and which is still under their control, the country’s health ministry said.

Earlier, it was reported that several people were injured when protesters rallying near the seized police building on Wednesday clashed with law enforcement. The protesters were throwing rocks and pieces of heavy debris at police, while law enforcement officers responded with warning shots and flash-bang grenades.

The hostages include Armenia’s deputy police chief General Major Vardan Egiazaryan and Yerevan deputy police chief Colonel Valeri Osipyan.

“Special law enforcement units of the Republic of Armenia continue to remain on high alert, but there is no need for their engagement as of yet,” read the National Security Service’s latest statement.