Thousands protest in Yerevan calling the president to step down A group of hostage-takers locked in a protracted siege with police in Armenia shoots dead an officer, as thousands of protesters take to the streets to call on President Serzh Sarkisian to step down. Armenia has been in turmoil since a group of anti-government gunmen stormed a police station in the capital Yerevan on July 17, demanding the release of opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan and taking several hostages. IMAGES