YEREVAN, March 19, 2008 (AFP) - Armenian police have arrested 106 men for allegedly plotting to bring about a coup during protests accusing the government of electoral fraud, the state prosecutor's office said Wednesday.

'They are all accused of organising and taking part in mass demonstrations in violation of the law, (issuing) calls to disobey legitimate demands by representatives of the authorities, actions designed to bring about a coup and the illegal possession of arms,' a statement said.

The source specified there were no women or minors among those arrested.

A state of emergency in the capital Yerevan is due to end on Thursday, having been imposed after deadly street battles between riot police and opposition supporters who had rallied for 11 days against the result of a presidential election officially won by Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian.

Seven civilians and one policeman were killed, with dozens more injured.