A change of power is necessary to preserve Armenia’s statehood, protesters in Yerevan stated. Representatives of the “Our Way” movement announced plans to participate in the elections and achieve a change of power peacefully.
As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” the Yerevan Anti-Corruption Court extended businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest by a month. Supporters of the businessman gathered today for a rally in his support, demanding the release of Karapetyan and the arrested clergy.
The October 18 rally began with performances by Armenian artists, the broadcast of a video about the charitable events of the Tashir company in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and the blessing of an Armenian Apostolic Church clergyman, a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent who attended the rally reported.
According to the initiators, the “Our Way” movement, created on the initiative of Samvel Karapetyan, the square was overcrowded, with residents of Yerevan and the districts, representatives of opposition political forces, public organizations, youth initiatives.
A representative of the Armenian law enforcement agencies told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent that Freedom Square can accommodate more than 50,000 people; according to preliminary estimates, the square is 30-40% occupied.
Based on the “Po-Nashemu” movement, “it is planned to form a new political force in Armenia that will promote efforts to develop the economy, education, family and national values, and protect the rights of citizens, refugees, and the Holy Church,” a representative of the movement told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.
Speaking at the rally, representatives of the “Po-Nashemu” movement called on everyone present to support demands that the authorities release all political prisoners and prepare for the next parliamentary elections.
“We “We must be ready to work on the elections, since the Armenian people can remove this group (the Armenian government – ed. “Caucasian Knot”) from power through fair elections,” said representative of the “Po-Nashemu” movement, Narek Karapetyan.
He called the government’s actions against the AAC “a campaign against the church,” calling on those gathered “not to leave the AAC without protection.” “The church is the pillar of our national unity, we cannot allow its colonization,” he said.
A member of the “Po-Nashemu” movement, economist Hayk Farmanyan noted the need to “restore a strong Armenian economy, support small and medium-sized businesses, establish a fair judicial and criminal system, and a fair pension system.” approach.”
Rally participant, pensioner Andranik Gevorgyan told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent that he came to the protest because he believes that change is needed in a country where everything is in decline. According to him, the government’s policies are leading to a loss of statehood, and all residents of Armenia need social justice.
“A change of power is necessary, as Armenia has turned into a police state with a totalitarian regime. Incorrect policies lead to the destruction of national values, the country, and the people,” Marina Harutyunyan told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.
“The government is preparing for the elections and will do everything possible to retain power. But dictatorial methods do us no honor. Perhaps the world will not recognize these elections, seeing the methods used to maintain power. Political prisoners must be released,” emphasized teacher Seda Abrahamyan.
“We need a different government if we want to have a future. The people must not repeat the same mistake again,” Hamlet Mkrtchyan is certain.
Armine Grigoryan admitted that she is not a supporter of any political forces or social movements, but came to the rally to hear what was being said from the podium.
“But I haven’t heard about any specific actions yet. I would like to see the program of the ‘Our Way’ movement,” she told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.
