10 Jun 2024 | 12:55 PM UTC
Armenia: Opposition protests likely to continue in Yerevan and elsewhere through at least mid-June /update 3
Activists likely to continue protests in Yerevan, other urban centers, Armenia through mid-June. Heightened security, disruptions likely.
Opposition activists will likely continue to protest in Yerevan and other urban centers through at least mid-June to demand Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation. The Tavush for the Motherland leaders staged a major demonstration June 9, at which Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan called for protesters to remain on the streets for four days. Heightened security and associated disruptions will likely continue in central Yerevan through at least June 12.
Further large-scale demonstrations are likely to continue after this date. Protests typically take place in Republic Square, Yerevan. Smaller demonstrations are likely at short notice in the capital and other major centers nationwide. Demonstrators periodically block major highways around the country and, at times, have caused significant local disruptions. It is unclear how long the protest campaign may last.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any protests that may materialize. The largest demonstrations will almost certainly occur in Yerevan and may draw thousands of participants. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers or activists from rival political camps are possible and could result in clashes.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling through urban centers where demonstrations may occur, or via major highways. If possible, check traffic conditions before departure and plan alternative routes in case of blockades if planning to travel on major highways. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
The protest campaign comes as the culmination of a protracted series of demonstrations in recent days. Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan started a five-day protest march from the Tavush region in northeastern Armenia to denounce a border demarcation agreement with Azerbaijan. Activists led by the archbishop organized rallies in towns along the way, regularly attracting large crowds and, occasionally, heavy security. At the May 9 protest marking the group's arrival in Yerevan, demonstrators called on Prime Minister Pashinyan to resign by the end of the day; when this did not happen, Galstanyan called for daily protests nationwide until Pashinyan concedes and leaves office. . Activists staged multiple demonstrations attracting tens of thousands of attendees through May, including on May 9, 14, and 26. On May 13, authorities arrested over 150 protest participants in Yerevan and subsequently released the protesters later in the day.
