Armenian government declares state of emergency after opposition protests over elections
03 March 2008
On 2 March the Armenian government declared a 20-day state of emergency after violent clashes between opposition protesters and armed police. Eight people were killed and hundred of others were injured. The authorities say they had to restore order after 11 days of mass demonstrations against the ruling government. The protests began after the presidential election on 19 February. The election was officially won by prime minister Serzh Sarkisian, but the opposition claims the election were rigged. Opposition leader and main challenger during the presidential elections, Levon Ter-Petrosian was reportedly placed under house arrest. The Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), have voiced concern about the situation in the country. The OSCE is sending an envoy to try to arrange talks between the government and the opposition. Human Rights Watch has called on Armenia to conduct a prompt and independent investigation into the use of lethal force by security forces.
