How the Girl Dressed as an Angel Found Herself at the Center of a Protest

During the "Tavush for the Homeland" movement's rally in Republic Square, a girl dressed as an angel caused a stir online and sparked various comments. Many were curious whether the girl in the angel costume had any connection to the movement and why she was at the epicenter of the protest.

It turns out that Uliana, who came to Yerevan from Russia, was unaware that a protest was taking place there. She shared this in an interview with Factor.am. "I had come to Yerevan with my friends for a photoshoot. We were going to Yerevan’s most beautiful spots to take pictures. I didn’t realize what was happening at first. When we stepped out to take photos, there was no protest; just regular people walking in the street. We have been walking around Yerevan in various costumes for a few days, and everyone was smiling and giving us positive reactions," Uliana recounted.

When asked why she decided to approach the police officers near the protest, she explained, "We were staying in a hotel near Republic Square. Our photoshoot was nearby. Then we saw the fountains and decided to take photos there. I crossed the street and saw the soldiers (referring to the police) and approached them to ask if it was allowed to take photos. Suddenly, something strange started happening. Everyone began to scream and run. There was a crowd, and shouting ensued, some woman started yelling, splashed water on me and my photographer, threw bottles, and kicked me. I dropped my phone, and the screen got damaged. I was very scared; I didn’t understand what was happening and why they were treating us like that. All the men and police officers started apologizing to us, which was pleasant. But I was frightened when I got splashed with water; I thought they had thrown some kind of liquid at me.

So you weren't aware that a protest was happening there? – No, I didn’t know. I came to Yerevan to relax and take photos for a few days. I had been to Yerevan before and really liked the city. I felt kindness, warmth, and strength there. I decided that next time I would come with white wings for a photoshoot to show the purity of the local residents." We met Uliana about half an hour after the incident. She was walking in Republic Square, holding her angel wing-themed accessory. She has since returned to Russia.