Yerevan mayor forbids opposition to hold protests

The mayor's office of Yerevan has forbidden the opposition to hold a
protest on Freedom Square in the center of the city on September 17th.
In 1988, the square became the symbol of the movement for the
independence of Armenia. The mayor's office suggested the central
Matendaran area as an alternative site, RIA Novosti reports.
The Armenian National Movement earlier informed the authorities about
the Armenian National Congress protest rally.
The protest was forbidden because another event had been planned for the square.
The opposition considers the decision illegal. The Armenian National
Movement is one of the main political forces. On August 1st, 2008 it
joined the Armenian National Congress, headed by the first Armenian
president Levon Ter-Petrosyan. The congress consists of approximately
20 political parties and organizations. Its main demands are the
release of political prisoners, the restoration of constitutional
rights and snap elections.