06 Aug 2020 | 10:58 AM UTC
Armenia: Demonstration scheduled at gold mining site in Vayots Dzor province August 6
Activists plan to gather at controversial gold mining project near Amulsar mountain in Vayots Dzor province on August 6; avoid all gatherings as a precaution and anticipate disruptions
Event
Environmental activists are set to demonstrate against a controversial gold mining project in the vicinity of Amulsar mountain (Vayots Dzor province) on Thursday, August 6. Additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to oversee the demonstration, and police checkpoints are in place in the vicinity of the mine.
Localized disruptions are to be anticipated at the mine and in the surrounding area in the coming days, along with possible clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Context
Recent protests on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, at the site saw several demonstrators arrested by security forces and dozens dispersed amid unrest. Activists from the nearby town of Jermuk are reportedly claiming that the mine will result in environmental degradation.
Demonstrations against the mine have reportedly been taking place since as early as 2014, but more recent clashes were witnessed between protesters and security forces on July 27 and 28, whereby 12 people were arrested.
Advice
Those in the area are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, allow extra time to reach their destinations if traveling through areas affected by demonstrations, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
