Armenian Opposition Leader Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan Rallies Supporters in Yerevan

On Monday, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the Tavush for the Homeland movement, held a significant rally in Yerevan's city center. The event, which began outside the Armenian Investigative Committee, saw demonstrators march to the Saint Anna Church to discuss the past week's outcomes and future plans.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests in Armenia have significant implications for the country's political landscape and stability. The outcome of these demonstrations could lead to changes in the government's policies and potentially impact the region's geopolitical dynamics.

The rally comes amidst ongoing demonstrations against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government. The Tavush for the Homeland movement is demanding an end to the border delimitation and demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was agreed upon by both governments last month.

During the rally, Galstanyan called for criminal charges against those who assaulted protesters, including Ashot Simonyan, Ashot Harutyunyan, Arman Sargsyan, Karen Gevorgyan, Arsen Grigoryan, and two deacons near the Foreign Ministry on Friday. He announced that all protesters detained amid clashes with police outside the ministry would be released later on Monday.

The protests led by Galstanyan have been marked by significant confrontations with police. On Friday, protesters clashed with riot police after attempting to surround the government seat and later marching to the Foreign Ministry to demand a meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The Interior Ministry reported 29 detentions, including two deacons, one of whom was seriously injured.

Galstanyan demanded that Mirzoyan or other senior ministry officials explain their perceived failure to respond to anti-Armenian statements from Azerbaijan. When refused entry, Galstanyan threatened to force his way in, saying, "Either they will come out or we will go in." He blamed the police and Mirzoyan for the violence, vowing to continue protests.

The Tavush for the Homeland movement's protests are rooted in opposition to the border delimitation process, which has led to the ceding of four villages to Azerbaijan. Critics argue that these concessions increase security risks and embolden Azerbaijani demands. Pashinyan has argued that the concessions are necessary to prevent Azerbaijani military aggression against Armenia.

On June 2, Galstanyan called on his supporters to gather near the Holy Cross Church and march to the Investigative Committee, stating, "Tomorrow, at ten in the morning, let us gather near the Holy Cross Church and march to the Investigative Committee. I will announce our demands tomorrow. Either we receive answers to all the questions or we will be free in our actions."

The ongoing protests have seen significant participation, with at least 88 protesters detained by Armenian police on Monday for attempting to block streets in Yerevan. The movement continues to gain momentum, with plans to visit the cities of Vanadzor and Vardenis, plus the Syunik Province, in the coming days.

The protests led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan represent a significant challenge to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government. The outcome of these demonstrations could have far-reaching implications for Armenia's political landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan leads Tavush for the Homeland movement in protests against PM Nikol Pashinyan's government.
• Protesters demand an end to border delimitation and demarcation with Azerbaijan, citing security risks.
• Clashes with police have resulted in 88 detentions, with Galstanyan calling for criminal charges against those who assaulted protesters.
• The movement plans to visit cities and provinces, gaining momentum and posing a significant challenge to Pashinyan's government.
• The outcome of the protests could lead to changes in government policies and impact regional geopolitical dynamics.