HAK was denied authorization to hold rally on Azatutyun Square

With an infamous move Yerevan Municipality rejected a request by the opposition movement Armenian National Congress (HAK) to authorize it holding a rally and a march on Azatutyun Square (Liberty Square) - a massive venue that has traditionally been used by opposition for the purpose before it was closed down for the construction of an underground parking lot for almost two years.

The rally was planned on September 17.

Gagik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Organization and Inspections Department of Yerevan Municipality, told Tert.am that it was the Armenian Pan-National Movement (HHSh) party rather the HAK that submitted a request to authorize the rally on Azatutyun Square.

He also said that the members of this party did not take part in the discussions.

"The rally on Azatutyun Square was banned, while the march has been authorized. Based on a request submitted [by HHSh] earlier an event is scheduled on Azatutyun Square on that day," said Mr Baghdasaryan.

Earlier on August 30 HAK submitted a written notification to the Yerevan Municipality, asking for authorization for a rally and a march.

According to HAK's information center, there was no announcement about any other events to be organized by governmental or non-governmental organizations on the announcement board at the Yerevan Municipality when HAK representatives submitted the notification.

Under the "Law about organizing assemblies, rallies, marches and meetings" of the Republic of Armenia (Article 13, Section 1, and Point 2) the municipality c cannot forbid any public event if no other event is planned on the same venue on the same day.