News - Health minister: 8 injured still hospitalized after events on Yerevan’s Marshal Baghramyan Avenue

Eight injured are still hospitalized after the events that took place on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue in Yerevan. Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan told this to reporters after the Cabinet session of the Armenian government Friday. "The condition of the citizen whose three fingers were removed after the surgery is assessed as satisfactory. The surgery was successful, he is receiving appropriate medical care. The others will be discharged [from hospitals] in the near future," said Avanesyan. The health minister added that the police had acted proportionately and lawfully during the aforesaid events, and had fulfilled their duty to maintain public order. When asked whether she considers “smashing the head” of journalist Abraham Gasparyan proportionate, Avanesyan responded that they do not have a patient with a "smashed head." "Yes, when the demonstrators do not maintain public order, are not law-abiding, yes, the police is a structure that uses force," said the health minister. And when asked whether visiting these hospitalized persons is also on her agenda and how they will receive her, Avanesyan responded: "I have always been well received by everyone during the three years [in office as the health minister]." Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that during Wednesday’s protests on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue—nearby the Armenian parliament building, a large number of police officers used brutal force against the demonstrators. The police used stun grenades, as a result of which many people were injured, and one person's hand was cut. Reporters covering the event were also injured; the cameraman of Armenian News-NEWS.am suffered a broken leg as a result of the use of stun grenades. According to the Ministry of Health of Armenia, 101 civilians and police officers sought medical help as a result of these events that took place on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue.