It is also alleged that I am alleging the police were guilty of brutality towards me. Not at all. Instead they showed either an ignorance of the law or had no respect for the media by telling me not to take photos of them. When I did, however, they did nothing to stop me. It’s worth pointing out that since September 2007 — the unofficial start of Ter-Petrossian election campaign — his people have been worse.

On two occasions, his people stuck their hands in front of my lens, on three occasions they physically grabbed journalists and pulled them away from a public area while conducting their duties, on one occasion, they ignored and disregarded The Armenian Observer’s press pass and refused to allow him access to a public area.

Neither was brutal, but both show a total disregard for the rights of journalists. However, if Ter-Petrossian’s people are going to start putting words into my mouth, let me say this. The former president’s people were worse and actually forcibly removed journalists including myself while I have never seen that from the police (although don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it doesn’t happen).

As for concerns about being targeted by police in any case of public disorder, I also fear the same from some among Ter-Petrossian’s people. Like I said, neither side seem to care about the rights of others when push comes to shove. Neither shows any interest in an independent, objective and professional media either.

Anyway, it’s hard to know what is right here. On the one hand, this small group of people threatened nobody and had a right to assemble where they want. On the other, it was obvious that they were Levon supporters and this was an act of civil disobedience.

Still, as Heritage recently proclaimed, the new law on holding rallies and demonstrations can be considered to actually be one AGAINST holding rallies and demonstrations. That can’t be good in any country because the law is open to interpretation by the authorities.

On the other hand, it’s obvious why such actions are being staged, but I suppose in a democracy they should be allowed unless they threaten public order or the constitutional rights of others which in this case they were not, in my opinion.

Still, the police did wait a long time before dispersing the group and did issue 10 minute warnings not that this makes much difference in terms of people being able to assemble, I suppose. Basically, it can’t continue like this indefinitely.

Anyway, Nazarian posts a video of the demo:
http://hnazarian.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post_23.html

“HERITAGE” INTENDS TO APPLY TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, NOYAN TAPAN. The issue of constitutionality of the recently passed laws on making amendments and additions to the Law on Ensuring the Security of Persons Subject to Special State Protction and
to the Law on Holding Meetings, Rallies, Processions and Demonstrations will be disputed in the RA Constitutional Court. According to Taregir electronic newspaper, members of “Zharangutyun” (”Heritage”) party are
going to apply to the Constitutional Court concerning this issue.