Armenia: Further protests likely in central Yerevan following disruptive demonstration Nov. 26

Event

Further protests by activists affiliated with the Liberation Movement group, are likely in Yerevan in the coming days after protesters disrupted traffic on Sakharov Square in the city center the morning of Nov. 26; authorities made at least six arrests.

Several groups have held protests in Yerevan since Nov. 22 to denounce a potential border demarcation agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The issue is highly contentious and all such demonstrations have the potential is likely to be well attended. Likely protest venues include central squares, including Republic Square, as well as government buildings.

Large numbers of people and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely result in localized transport disruptions around any protests; public transport in the area could be canceled or diverted. Low-level violence between activists and police are possible, 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.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations 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.