Protests demanding Pashinyan’s resignation being held in Yerevan

Panorama, Armenia

Dec 25 2020



Civil disobedience actions demanding the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan started in Yerevan on Friday evening.

Protesters blocked traffic on Baghramyan Avenue in city center.

"We saw police using force during yesterday’s protest. Guys, don’t do it! I will greet that policeman as I would greet an Azeri: "assalamu alaikum". Don’t dare to treat our citizens in such a rude manner," one of the protesters said, addressing police.

At the same time, clashes erupted between protesters and other passersby. One of the demonstrators Babken Harutyunyan urged the participants of the rally not to give in to provocations.

"Citizens are also responsible for the fact that we still have a traitor prime minister. People who support betrayal are responsible for that," Harutyunyan said.

Police officers used force against protesters and eventually managed to open the road, detaining two demonstrators.

Another group of activists blocked the street leading to Saralanj with trucks. “Today we are fighting for our dignity and self-esteem," one of the young protesters said.

Anti-Pashinyan demonstrators also blocked the intersection of Sayat-Nova and Abovyan Streets, but police forcibly opened the road after a few minutes.