Armenia: Opposition activists plan to rally in Yerevan March 28

Event

Opposition activists affiliated with the Movement for the Salvation of the Motherland are planning to demonstrate in central Yerevan March 28 as part of their campaign to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Participants will gather at 15:00 at the junction of Baghramyan Avenue and Demirchyan Street. Activists abandoned their blockade of the National Assembly building March 23, though plan to maintain a protest camp on Demirchyan Street; the blockade had been in place since Feb. 25.

Authorities will maintain a very high security posture near the National Assembly building and protest camp in the coming weeks, particularly during the March 28 rally. Security forces will respond quickly to any disruptive demonstrations; clashes are possible between demonstrators and security personnel, particularly if the former becomes unruly or attempt to breach security cordons. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat in the vicinity.

Advice

Exercise caution near the National Assembly building in the coming weeks and avoid the March 28 protest as a routine security precaution. Leave the area at the first sign of violence and take refuge in a secure non-governmental building. Allow additional time for travel in the vicinity of any demonstrations.