Armenia: Clashes reported during opposition protest in central Yerevan Nov. 11

Event

Clashes between police and protesters have been reported outside the Cabinet of Ministers building in central Yerevan as of the early afternoon Nov. 11; at least 20 people have been arrested.

Large numbers of people and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely result in localized transport disruptions in the coming hours; public transport in the area may be canceled or diverted. Further clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists attempt to breach any security cordons. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat of physical harm.

Context

Opposition groups called the protest after it was announced that Azerbaijan would erect customs checkpoints on the Goris-Kapan road, in territory that came under its control following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Many opposition groups see the peace deal that ended the war to have represented a humiliating surrender by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan; further related protests are likely in the coming weeks.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area Nov. 11.