Armenia: Activists to demonstrate in Yerevan's Republic Square during the afternoon of May 9 /update 1

Activists plan to protest at Republic Square in Yerevan from 16:00 May 9. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce a border demarcation agreement with Azerbaijan. Demonstrators have been marching toward Yerevan from the Tavush area in recent days, with plans to rally in the nation's capital and deliver a list of demands to government officials upon their arrival. As of May 8, the cortege of activists had reached Abovyan, approximately 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Yerevan; significant numbers of demonstrators have joined the procession in recent days; heavy law enforcement presences have been reported near the march. The rallies in Yerevan will probably draw large crowds of participants.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near the protest. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, potentially escalating to clashes, are possible. Disruptions are possible on highways northeast of Yerevan, particularly the H1, H5, M4, and the Abovyan Highway between May 8-9, as these are the most likely routes march participants will use to approach Yerevan. Disruptions throughout Yerevan are possible throughout the day on May 9, as crowds of demonstrators may join marchers as they walk through the city to Republic Square.