YEREVAN, Armenia: Armenian police detained dozens of individuals participating in an anti-government protest in Yerevan late on Wednesday, as reported by local news sources. Russia’s Interfax news agency cited police figures, putting the number at 96 detainees.
The protesters had blocked traffic in the city center and reportedly refused to comply with police orders, leading to the forceful dispersal of the rally, according to News.am.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced domestic criticism following an agreement to cede several border areas to Azerbaijan as part of a peace deal. This decision has sparked discontent among segments of the Armenian population.
Armenia, a treaty ally of Russia, has traditionally been closely aligned with Moscow in the South Caucasus region. However, bilateral relations have strained recently due to Yerevan’s efforts to strengthen ties with the West and its criticism of Russia’s role in the conflict with Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, Armenia has sought to distance itself from Moscow’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, contributing to the evolving dynamics in the region.
