If We Return to Live in Armenia, I Will Be Throwing a Stone on My Daughter's Future: Protest in Front of the National Assembly

Citizens demanding to go to Russia are currently holding a protest in front of the National Assembly. They are calling for the opening of roads so they can travel to Russia and reunite with their families.

“We think that our government might negotiate with Russia so that we can return to our jobs and our families. We all have one issue: we want to go to Russia. Some are losing their businesses, and others have children or parents there. Personally, I came here on March 13, I changed my passport because I planned to go back, but the roads are closed. Now my wife, three children, and mother are there, and I am here alone. I have lived in Russia for 15 years, but I have no desire to become a Russian citizen,” said one of the participants in the protest.

“They tell me to come back and live in Armenia. I can return, but my child is in the 8th grade, and if we come back, I will be throwing a stone on her future. There is no Russian school here. Now how can I bring back an 8th grader and teach them Armenian again?” he emphasized.

When addressed with the note that the issue is not within the jurisdiction of the Armenian government since it is Russia that is prohibiting their entry, the protester agreed, stating: “Yes, Russia does not allow it, and that is why negotiations should be held to let us go.”