Clashes in Yerevan Leave 51 Injured

Clashes in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, over a hostage situation have left at least 51 injured, 25 of whom are police officers. A report from Agence France-Presse states that protesters sparked the clashes on Wednesday evening, July 30, by throwing stones at police officers standing in front of the building where hostages were held, and the police responded by firing tear gas at them. The hostage situation in Yerevan has now entered its fifth day. This incident, which began on Sunday, involves armed individuals taking 8 people hostage in one of Yerevan's police stations, demanding the release of Gerard Sefilian, an opposition figure, from prison. The report mentions that four police officers are still hostages of this group. The clashes between protesters and police continued into the early hours of Thursday, ultimately resulting in the arrest of dozens of individuals. The Russian news agency Interfax reported that 136 people have been detained, noting that protesters demanded food and water be provided to the hostage-takers, but the police did not heed this request. According to this news agency, one of the four individuals still held by the hostage-takers is the deputy chief of police of Armenia, and another is the deputy chief of police of Yerevan. The hostage-takers have also demanded the resignation of the government and the formation of a government trusted by the people. These clashes have so far resulted in the death of one police officer.