Protesters waving Armenian flags block freeway lanes in Glendale

NBC

Aug 10 2023

TRAFFIC

A large crowd of protesters seeking to bring awareness of conflicts in Armenia blocked freeway lanes in Glendale Wednesday night near a major interchange

All the eastbound lanes on the 134 Freeway at its interchange with the 5 Freeway were closed for the demonstration. Protesters told NBCLA they aimed to bring awareness to humanitarian conflicts in Armenia.

One demonstrator said she hopes the group would catch the attention of Rep. Adam Schiff. The California Democrat released a statement Wednesday regarding the protest.

“I stand with the people of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian-American community – not only my constituents but those around the world. I hear and see your pain over the inhumane situation your brothers and sisters are facing," Schiff's statement read. "From condemning ceasefire violations, to advocating for the release of Armenian prisoners of war, to calling for sanctions and accountability for Azerbaijan, I've always been, and will continue to be, steadfast in my commitment to ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for the people of Artsakh."

He added that he was in communication with the Biden administration, the State Department and other Congress members to push for humanitarian aid.

Signs on the freeway read "Adam Schiff Don't Ignore Us" and "Open the Road to Life."

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The protest prompted the California Highway Patrol to close the transition road from the eastbound Ventura Freeway to the northbound Golden State Freeway. The protests began at Burbank City Hall then continued to the interchange of the Ventura and Golden State freeways and 101 Freeway at Vineland Avenue.

Signs laid out on the freeway said “Adam Schiff Don't Ignore Us” and “Open the Road to Life."

"From the day the blockade of the Lachin Corridor began, I, alongside my colleagues in Congress and Armenians around the country, have urged the White House, the State Department, and USAID, to take action to protect the people of Artsakh and their right to self-determination," Schiff said in his statement.

Azerbaijan began a blockade of the Lachin Corridor Dec. 12 following a series of clashes that erupted along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in September, resulting in at least 200 deaths. The blockade prevented humanitarian aid, basic supplies and outside support from reaching approximately 120,000 civilians there.

Schiff was among the authors of a congressional resolution condemning the blockade.

News Chopper 4 flew over the area and it appeared several people were waving Armenian flags. A semi-truck was parked diagonally across the freeway lanes, blocking access to them.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/group-blocks-lanes-on-5-freeway-near-glendale/3203333/

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