Briefly

Armenian groups to protest remarks

The Unified Young Armenians, known for its organization of the annual genocide demonstration in Hollywood, announced plans for a protest at 10 a.m. Friday against remarks made during a May broadcast on KFI in which radio hosts suggested getting rid of Armenians as a way to relieve an overburdened health-care system.

The comments, made May 13 on Bill Handel’s morning show on KFI-AM (460), have included the suggestion that officials sell off Glendale as a way to “get rid of” Armenian immigrants. A producer on the show then said, “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.”

Responding the growing criticism, Program Director Robin Bertolucci last week called the segment a “crazy over-the-top parody” that was taken out of context.

Armenian community leaders have argued the segment was racist and have said the radio hosts would never have never directed the same comments toward Jews or other more politically powerful ethnic groups.

The protest is scheduled to take place at 6640 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.