Surprisingly, the press office of the Yerevan police cannot say exactly how many people have been detained today near the police security cordon surrounding the police building on Khorenatsi Street on suspicion that they are carrying weapons and explosive devices.

This is the official explanation provided by police for the detentions. Videos and photos in the local press show that tens of individuals have been whisked away by the police.

Yesterday, the police issued a statement that public gatherings in the area would no longer be permitted since the risks to drastically incite an already tense situation exist.

The police called on demonstrators to seek another venue.