Armenia: Protests in Vagharshapat and Yerevan January 14 /update 1

Event

A protest is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 14, in the capital Yerevan, to denounce the release on bail of former defense minister, Manvel Grigoryan, who was briefly arrested on corruption charges and illegal possession of firearm on December 21. Protesters are expected to first gather in Vagharshapat (Armavir province) before marching to the Criminal Court of Appeals in the capital, via the M5 highway, which connects Yerevan to its Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the area in the coming hours. Further demonstrations are possible in the near term.

Context

Several related demonstrations have taken place in the past few weeks; on January 11-12 protesters blocked the M5 highway connecting to EVN fo several hours, leading to significant traffic disruptions.

Advice

Individuals in Yerevan and Vagharshapat are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.