On May 29, the primary event of the movement demanding the resignation of Nikol Pashinyan took place near the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Early in the morning, protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat gathered near the Ministry, demanding Minister Vahe Ghazaryan to address questions regarding recent police violence, illegal detentions, and the blockade of the Sardarapat Memorial Complex entrance for Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, and the clergy.
Tensions rise in Yerevan as protesters block all entrances to Armenia’s government building.
Starting in the early hours, protesters initially blocked Republic Square with their cars. Police resorted to brute force to reopen the road and allow Pashinyan to leave the building,… pic.twitter.com/gdE84H68ul
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) May 30, 2024
Allegations of Secret Illegal Groups
Archbishop Bagrat claimed that, in addition to police violence, secret, illegal groups are involved in suppressing the movement. According to him, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is aware of these groups. Despite his allegations, no crime report proceedings have been initiated. The Archbishop named leaders of two such groups, but no further information has been provided.
Limited Investigations on Police Brutality
It was revealed that of the four police officers involved in the violence against MP Ashot Simonyan, only one is under internal investigation. The head of the Internal Security Department admitted no investigation is being conducted regarding the violation of Garegin II’s constitutionally guaranteed right to free movement. It also emerged that authorities have started media preparations to activate these secret groups, as indicated by National Assembly ruling party MP Armen Khachatryan, who warned of civil conflict risks posed by the movement.
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Heavy Police Presence and Resource Misallocation
The Ministry of Internal Affairs building was heavily guarded by police today. Meanwhile, these vast police resources are not addressing the aftermath of the recent flood disaster in northern Armenia. Instead, volunteers are being forcibly recruited from schools and universities.
Absence of Minister Vahe Ghazaryan
Minister Vahe Ghazaryan did not meet the protesters but remained in his office, not attending the National Assembly discussion on the 2023 state budget performance.
The “Tavush for the Homeland” movement began in Tavush, aiming to unite all of Armenia and its diaspora.
The movement emerged as a response to the Armenian government’s unilateral concessions that lack justification and endanger Armenia’s security and territorial integrity under the pretext of border demarcation and delimitation processes.
These recent processes, lacking legal foundation and security guarantees, are seen as yet another capitulatory step by the Armenian government. They infringe upon the rights of local residents and citizens more broadly, violate the Constitution and laws, and disregard OSCE and other internationally accepted demarcation norms, thereby creating additional security threats.
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