The Armenian National Congress (ANC) threatens to withdraw from the dialogue with the authorities because of the detainment of young ANC activists.

As ANC spokesman Arman Musinyan told journalists in Yerevan, the arrest of the activists can badly damage the negotiations. “The next meeting is scheduled for August 16 morning and we will take a decision till then,” he said.

According to the ANC, on August 9 police officers used violence against ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

On their part, the police accused the ANC activists of assault.

Currently, Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan and Sargis Gevorgyan are kept in custody. The others were released.