/By AzerNews/

By Laman Sadigova

An activist of the opposition movement New Armenia, Gevorg Safaryan, was arrested on January 10 for two months and charged in using violence against a government representative.

Safarian was detained after clashes with police in Yerevan on New Year's Eve. In particular, several dozens of protesters were trying to place a Christmas tree at Freedom Square without coordination of the Yerevan Municipality, and the police did not allow them to do so.

After clashes five activists were taken to the police, but were freed later, except Safaryan.

His lawyer suggests that Safaryan first accused police in violence; however, his words were left unanswered.

He said that as a result of the aggressive actions of the police six activists were seriously injured, while two of them were hospitalized.

Activist Gagik Yeghiazaryan, who witnessed the incident, in turn, argues that the police without any ground tried to interfere with the peaceful rally.