Armenians Living in Russia Hold Protest in Front of Government

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan promised us last month that this would be the last time the state of emergency in the country is extended. This was stated today, August 12, by one of the protesters living in Russia, who, along with several other citizens—either living in Russia or working abroad—took to the streets today to protest against the government's decision to extend the state of emergency for another month and not to open the borders.

They wish to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan or Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan. “We are not asking the state for money or anything; we just want some arrangement that allows citizens wishing to leave the country to go about their business and find means of livelihood. Armenia does not provide us with the conditions needed to live here under normal circumstances,” said one participant of the protest.

Another participant added that with the money earned here, they can barely afford to pay rent. “I can’t even hope to buy a home here, while the Russian Federation offers us conditions to buy property under normal conditions,” the citizen added.

“About 200 people standing over there are waiting for us, hoping that Nikol Pashinyan will make a reasonable decision in our favor, allowing us to leave,” said another protester.