Yerevan police detained at least 16 protesters this afternoon according to a communique released by two political opposition organizations - the Nor Hayastan (New Armenia) Public Salvation Front and the Joint Opposition Headquarters.

The two groups claim that Rouzanna Yeghnukyan (photo), who was participating in the protest calling for the release of political prisoners, received a head wound in the scuffle that ensued when police attempted to clear them from Mashtots Avenue.

The protesters had chained themselves together and had blocked the artery.

The communique says that police used excessive force and uttered sexual slurs against the protesters.