Tense Situation: Armenians from Artsakh Protest in Yerevan

Armenians from Artsakh are holding a protest in front of the Artsakh representation in Yerevan, demanding President Samvel Shahramanyan return what they describe as $467 million that was embezzled by 48 families in Artsakh.

Arthur Osipyan, one of the organizers of the protest, told reporters that they gathered to resolve social issues faced by Armenians from Artsakh. “We see the solution this way: the money embezzled from Artsakh must be returned. We do not know everything about the embezzlement, but we are aware of some parts, and they have been documented and submitted to the prosecutor's office 1.5 years ago. There are cases initiated for certain episodes, while some parts are still hanging in the air. I have been summoned by the investigative committee, where I presented the major corruption schemes that took place in Artsakh. That money must be returned to the people. We demand Samvel Shahramanyan to come out and tell the people how he will address the concerns of this community. If he does not come, then we will express what needs to be done,” said Osipyan.

He urged Shahramanyan to go to the Armenian Prosecutor General's Office and demand the swift acceleration of the investigation into the return of the embezzled funds from Artsakh. According to Osipyan, a total of $467 million has been embezzled, held by 48 families. He called on the Armenian Prosecutor's Office to publish that list, so people can be informed of each name involved.

Details can be seen in the video.