An anti-Russian politician led young people to the Maidan in Yerevan
In the capital of Armenia today there are mass riots and protests against the appointment of ex-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister. The authorities specifically changed the constitution so that Sargsyan in his new position would have the same powers as in his previous one.
This is opposed by opposition MP with anti-Russian views Nikol Pashinyan. He is part of the Yelk faction, which took less than 10% of the votes in the Armenian parliament in the last elections.
Today Pashinyan gathered several thousand supporters (mostly young people) and led them to the parliament building. The police tried to stop the procession by blocking the street with barbed wire. There was a collision.
46 people were injured, including six police officers. According to the Ministry of Health, civilians were diagnosed with superficial injuries to their legs, while police officers were diagnosed with injuries from sharp and blunt objects. One of them was operated on; his vein was damaged. Pashinyan himself cut his hand on barbed wire.
The protesters have set up a camp where they plan to spend the night in order to picket the parliament building tomorrow, where the vote on Sargsyan's appointment will take place.
In Yerevan, a number of roads connecting the residential areas of the city with the center are currently blocked. Driverless cars with their hazard lights on are left on the roads. Opposition supporters lie down on the asphalt, not allowing cars, including public transport, to pass. Traffic in the city center has almost stopped.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.