101 Seek Medical Help After Clashes in Yerevan, Armenia Health Ministry Reports

The Armenian Ministry of Health reported that 101 people, including both civilians and police officers, sought medical help following violent clashes on Baghramyan Avenue near the Armenian parliament building. As of 9:30 am Thursday, 85 individuals had been discharged after receiving necessary medical care, while 16 others remained under medical supervision with light to moderate injuries. Among the injured, one person underwent surgery for a wrist injury and is in satisfactory condition.

The unrest erupted on Wednesday when riot police clashed with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The demonstration was led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who rallied thousands of supporters near the parliament building. Inside the building, Pashinyan and his government were under tight security as they answered questions from lawmakers.

Before the parliamentary session, Archbishop Galstanyan addressed the protesters, calling for a peaceful departure of the Prime Minister. He accused Pashinyan of mismanaging the country and surrendering Armenian territory to Azerbaijan. Galstanyan urged the crowd to prevent Pashinyan from leaving the parliament building, accusing him of ignoring the pain caused to the Armenian people.

Prime Minister Pashinyan rejected the calls for his resignation, criticizing the opposition groups supporting the protests. Despite efforts by the protesters, they were unable to surround the heavily guarded parliament building. Security forces, including armed officers from the National Security Service, were deployed from across Armenia to maintain order.

As the evening progressed, tensions escalated when police attempted to push back protesters from a street leading to the parliament. The situation quickly turned violent, with scuffles breaking out and bottles being thrown. In response, police fired over a dozen stun grenades, resulting in injuries to dozens of protesters and at least two journalists. Ambulances were dispatched to provide medical aid.

rmenian police chief Aram Hovannisyan defended the use of stun grenades, stating that "the situation was out of control." Prime Minister Pashinyan also defended the police actions.

The Armenian Ministry of Health reported that at least 30 people were treated for injuries, mostly classified as "light and medium-gravity injuries." The ministry did not specify how many of the injured were protesters.

Archbishop Galstanyan blamed the violence on "police provocations" and urged the crowd to continue the protests. Inside the parliament, chaos ensued as deputies from the ruling Civil Contract party attempted to physically confront opposition members who were angered by Pashinyan's recent remarks. The prime minister had insulted former military leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, labeling them as "coward deserters" who should be imprisoned. Amid the turmoil, Pashinyan hastily exited the parliament floor.

The situation in Armenia remains tense, with protesters continuing to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Pashinyan and calling for governmental changes. The clashes on Baghramyan Avenue highlight the deep divisions within Armenian society and the ongoing dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of territorial disputes and national security.