Opposition won’t have access to Azatutyun Square until next year

Yerevan Municipality has rejected an application by the Armenian National Congress (HAK) to hold a rally on Azatutyun (Liberty) Square on 6 December, young HAK activists Tigran Arakelyan told Tert.am.

According to him, Yerevan Municipality has substantiated its refusal by the fact that from December 6 to January 1 rehearsals of New Year celebrations are planned to take place on Azatutyun Square - a traditional venue opposition has used to hold rallies and demonstrations.

Yerevan Municipality has offered the HAK to hold the rally near the Matenadaran building instead, he added.

"The point is that through a single notice the Municipality presents a rejection for the whole month, something the law forbids," explained Tigran Arakelyan.

Asked what the HAK is planning to do, Arakelyan said: "We will continue to apply [for sanctioning."

Yerevan Municipality has in the recent months rejected several applications by the HAK to hold rallies on Azatutyun Square.