VIDEO: Hampig Sassounian Says Police Felt Embarrassed and Released Him After Aggressive Detention

Today, Hampig Sassounian was detained by Armenian police officers during ongoing anti-government protests in Yerevan. Speaking to The Armenian Report later in the day, Sassounian recounted the events leading to his release, providing insight into his brief detention.

Sassounian described how the police officers initially detained him, striking him and pulling his hands behind his back. He believes the officers felt embarrassed by their actions once they realized they had detained him unfairly. "I was walking on the sidewalk, not in the middle of the street. Realizing their behavior was wrong, they let me go," Sassounian explained to The Armenian Report.

The protests, which began on May 9, are being led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan from the Tavush Diocese. Demonstrators are rallying against the government's decision to concede any Armenian territories to Azerbaijan. This decision has sparked significant outrage among many Armenians, including Sassounian.

Sassounian, an Armenian-American, has a notable history. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1982 assassination of Turkish Consul General Kemal Arıkan in Los Angeles. After serving nearly four decades, he was granted parole in March 2021.

The current protests reflect a deep-seated frustration among the Armenian populace. The territorial concessions to Azerbaijan touches on sensitive nationalistic and historical issues. Many Armenians view any such concession as a betrayal of their national integrity and a compromise on their historical grievances.

Sassounian's involvement in the protests highlights the widespread discontent among the Armenian diaspora as well. 

As the protests continue, the Armenian government faces increasing pressure from both local and international communities.