YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Lawyer Armine Fanyan says hostage taking is classified as a serious crime, “Armenpress” reports, she said referring to the gunmen’s holding people hostage in the Police station.

“Taking hostage is a crime against the public security and a serious punishment exists against it”, Fanyan said. She said the condemnation of taking people hostage while on their humanitarian mission is set by the international norms.

“Even taking people hostage who show medical assistance during the war, committing any act which will engender their life is forbidden”, she said.  

Earlier it was reported that two people are wounded in the police precinct. Law enforcement agencies urged the gunmen to let paramedics assist them, but were refused. Relatives of the gunmen also urged to hospitalize the wounded gunmen.

Later the gunmen demanded a doctor, stating the condition of the wounded people is serious, and later held the paramedics hostage. But later one of the paramedics was released.

Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to release the hostages via negotiations.

Paramedics have suggested to hospitalize the wounded gunmen, however were refused.

The gunmen demanded Healthcare Minister to arrive at the scene and organize surgery on spot.