Armenian Protesters Mark Year Since Deadly Riots

Rights groups and the Armenian opposition accuse President Serzh Sarksyan and his government of pursuing politically motivated trials.

At least 10,000 anti-government protesters in Armenia on Sunday demanded early elections at a demonstration to mark one year since deadly clashes between police and opposition activists in the former Soviet republic.

Rights groups and the Armenian opposition accuse President Serzh Sarksyan and his government of pursuing politically motivated trials over the unrest and failing to investigate accusations the police used excessive force.

The violence followed the election of Sarksyan in a vote the opposition said was rigged. Ten people died, including two police officers. More than 100 people were arrested during a state of emergency imposed after the violence.

The crowd in Yerevan held a minute's silence and carried banners calling for early elections and "Freedom for political prisoners." Riot police looked on as protesters chanted "Victory!" and "Freedom!"

"The authorities have drawn no conclusions from these tragic events and have done nothing to establish democracy in the country," said opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Sarksyan's challenger in the election.

"Despite constant pressure from the government, the people are stronger, are not frightened and are ready to continue the struggle," Ter-Petrosyan told the crowd. He promised another demonstration in May.

Yerevan's mayor had denied permission for demonstrators to gather in the city centre, but the protest went ahead after talks with the police.

Armenia's next parliamentary election is due in 2012 and the presidential vote in 2013.

OPPOSITION FIGURES ON TRIAL

The country's leaders say they want to build a European-style democracy and have won Western praise for allowing contested elections. But opponents say it is a facade and the country is ruled by a clique.

Armenia is considered Russia's closest ally in the volatile South Caucasus, but it has also pursued ties with NATO.

"This is a chance to change something here," said protester Artush Dazikyan, a 53-year-old worker.

Demonstrators marched through the capital and laid flowers at the spot where the worst clashes took place.

More than 50 people received jail sentences for the violence. A number have since been pardoned but several senior opposition figures, including a former foreign minister, remain on trial. The authorities accused the opposition of trying to overthrow the government.

Western election monitors said the vote was broadly in line with the country's international commitments but that further improvements were necessary.

The president's office said on Sunday Sarksyan had lit candles at a church in Yerevan in memory of those killed.

New York-based Human Rights Watch on Wednesday accused Armenia of conducting "politically motivated" trials while ignoring evidence of excessive use of force and ill-treatment of detainees.