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Yerevan: Armenia's president imposed a sweeping state of emergency late on Saturday following a day of violence between police and demonstrators protesting alleged fraud in the recent presidential election.
The announcement from the office of President Robert Kocharian came shortly after police fired in the air and released tear gas to break up a gathering of about 15,000 protesters. Earlier on Saturday, police forcibly broke up a protesters' tent camp housing hundreds of people.
Kocharian's office said the state of emergency would remain in effect for 20 days. The measure imposes severe restrictions, including banning all mass gatherings and ordering that news media reports on domestic political matters include only official information.
The health ministry said at least 31 people, including six police officers, had sought treatment after the morning troubles.
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