Nikol Pashinian, the prime minister of Armenia, expressed his optimism that ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh may continue to live there after Azerbaijan asserted that its “anti-terror” operation had returned the breakaway province to his control
In response to demonstrators’ demands that the Armenian government quickly back ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, Pashinian’s remark on September 22 came amid heightened tensions in Yerevan.
On September 22, when locals gathered in the city’s centre for anti-government demonstrations, the opposition leaders declared that they intended to begin the processes for Pashinian’s dismissal.
On September 22, anti-government protests took place in the Armenian capital, and over 80 individuals were detained.
❗️Protesters Clash With Police In The Center Of Armenia’s Capital Yerevan
— Vattaj.com (@vattaj) September 22, 2023
Visit https://t.co/o5M3abd1EP#Armenia #yerevan #armeniawar pic.twitter.com/iDJHY8V5b1
The rallies will continue until Pashinian is dismissed, and protesters also intend to interrupt a meeting of his cabinet that is scheduled to take place later on Friday.
Police have used stun grenades throughout the protests, which started on September 20, and they have threatened to use “special measures” if the skirmishes continue.