Armenian Protests Surge as Dual Citizen Leader Faces Legal Hurdles

Protests have erupted in Armenia against Prime Minister Nikol pm, with approximately 3,000 citizens gathering in Yerevan's Republic Square. The demonstrators, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, are demanding Pashinyan's resignation over territorial concessions made to Azerbaijan.

The protests were triggered by the Armenian government's decision to return four border villages to Azerbaijan, a move seen as a significant territorial concession. These villages, seized in the 1990s, hold strategic importance for Armenia as they control sections of a vital highway to Georgia.

Galstanyan, a charismatic archbishop from the Tavush region, has become the face of the movement calling for Pashinyan's resignation. He has also called for snap parliamentary elections and has expressed his intention to run for prime minister. However, his dual citizenship of Armenia and Canada renders him ineligible for the position.

Galstanyan's renunciation of his Canadian citizenship would not make his candidacy valid according to Armenian law. This legal hurdle has not deterred him from leading the protests. Addressing the crowd, Galstanyan declared, "We came here to tell this man (Pashinyan) that he has nothing to do in this country."

Why this matters: The political stability of Armenia hangs in the balance as protests against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government continue to gain momentum. If the government fails to address the concerns of its citizens, it could lead to further unrest and potentially even regime change.

The protests have seen demonstrators blocking traffic and clashing briefly with riot police. Hundreds of citizens have been detained for disobeying police orders, with the interior ministry reporting 273 detentions by 0900 GMT on Monday.

The territorial concessions to Azerbaijan have been defended by Pashinyan as necessary steps towards securing peace with Baku. However, many Armenians view the move as a betrayal, accusing Pashinyan of giving away territory without securing any concessions in return.

The background of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is rooted in the long-standing dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The two countries have fought two wars over this territory, with Azerbaijan regaining control of part of the region in 2020 and the entire region in 2023.

Protests continue, and the Armenian government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of its citizens. The outcome of these demonstrations and the political future of Armenia remain uncertain, with the nation's stability hanging in the balance.

Key Takeaways

• 3,000 Armenians protest in Yerevan's Republic Square, demanding PM Pashinyan's resignation.
• Protests sparked by government's decision to return 4 border villages to Azerbaijan.
• Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan leads protests, calling for Pashinyan's resignation and snap elections.
• 273 protesters detained for disobeying police orders, with clashes reported.
• Protests threaten political stability, with outcome and Armenia's future uncertain.