Yerevan Streets Closed as Civil Disobedience Continues Under Archbishop’s Leadership

In an act of civil disobedience, members of the Tavush for the Homeland movement and numerous supporters have spent their second consecutive night on Baghramyan Avenue in Yerevan, under the leadership of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. This avenue runs along the main entrance to the National Assembly (NA) building, making it a strategic location for the protest.

For the second day, the police have formed a human chain to keep Demirchyan Street closed. This street runs along the side entrance of the NA building and connects Baghramyan Avenue with Proshyan Street, the latter of which leads to the Prime Minister’s residence. The police presence highlights the tension surrounding the protest and the government’s attempts to maintain control over key areas of the capital.

At a rally held on June 9, Archbishop Galstanyan made a strong call to action, urging supporters to remain on the streets continuously for four days—96 hours—without breaks, work, rest, or sleep. He emphasized the necessity of this commitment to impose their will on the government. Following his speech, the march reached Baghramyan Avenue, where protesters set up tents, indicating their intention to stay for an extended period.

On Monday, the opposition factions Hayastan and Pativ Unem submitted a petition to the NA Council, demanding an extraordinary session of the NA to discuss the resignation of the current government and the formation of a new one. However, the ruling majority Civil Contract Faction opposed this initiative and announced they would not participate in the session scheduled for June 17, thus preventing a quorum.

During a gathering on Monday, Archbishop Galstanyan reiterated the importance of their presence on Baghramyan Avenue, emphasizing that June 12 would be crucial for their cause. He called for the participation of multiple forces, stressing the significance of their collective presence, regardless of the specific actions they would undertake.

The Tavush for the Homeland movement, led by Archbishop Galstanyan, began its protests following the announcement on April 19 that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to start border delimitation in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Demonstrations initially took place in Kirants village, Tavush Province, where Galstanyan declared his intention to march to Yerevan to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Upon reaching Yerevan on May 9, Galstanyan held a large rally demanding Pashinyan’s resignation and announced a transitional government on May 26, with himself as the candidate for Prime Minister.