Armenie Crisis Escalates: Emergency Declared Amid Unrest

armenie

YEREVAN — Armenia declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday as protests over a disputed political crisis intensified, with clashes reported in several major cities and authorities promising to restore order.

The government announced the measure after days of escalating demonstrations that began in the capital and quickly spread to Gyumri, Vanadzor and border towns. Police said crowds shattered windows, set tires alight, and blocked major thoroughfares, prompting Security Council discussions on harsher controls. The curfew hours were announced as 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and authorities warned that gatherings outside designated zones could be dispersed and participants detained.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Ani Grigoryan said the emergency was 'a necessary step to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and prevent further escalations.' She stressed that the government would respect rights within the framework of the law but would not permit violence or acts of vandalism. In the same briefing, police chiefs urged residents to stay indoors after dark and to avoid demonstrations that could put civilians at risk.

Witnesses described tense scenes along Republic Square in Yerevan, where police used barriers to separate protesters from security cordons. A traffic roundabout near the main city hall remained blocked for hours as demonstrators chanted political slogans and called for a quick resolution to the standoff with lawmakers. In Gyumri, witnesses reported a heavy police presence and several detentions as residents gathered to voice concerns about political maneuvering they described as undermining public trust.

The unrest centers on grief and anger over a controversial decision by state authorities to dissolve a parliamentary session that had been scheduled to address reforms. Critics say the move undermines democratic norms and leaves the opposition without an opportunity to present constructive solutions. Proponents of the government argue that the move was necessary to avert a constitutional crisis sparked by rapid political shifts and competing power centers.

Opposition leader Lusine Sarkisian urged calm and urged supporters to remain nonviolent and lawful. 'The street is not the path to legitimacy,' she said in a brief statement from her office. 'We will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and an orderly transition that reflects the will of the people.' Her aides noted that organizers were coordinating with regional offices to maintain nonviolent demonstrations and provide basic humanitarian aid to gatherings.

Civil society groups reported shortages of food and water for demonstrators gathered around city centers, where many residents had slept in makeshift tents or on benches as night fell. A nurse in Yerevan described working long shifts assisting those injured during earlier confrontations, saying the mood was tense but that many people looked for a peaceful path forward. Several volunteers helped distribute medical supplies to frontline areas and set up temporary triage posts near major crossings.

Analysts warned that the emergency could deepen political polarization and raise the risk of longer-term instability if negotiations stall. Dr. Arman Bedrosian, a political scientist at Yerevan State University, said the measures would likely slow protests but could also galvanize a stronger bloc of opposition if dialog remains blocked. 'People may feel their voices are being suppressed by sweeping powers,' he said, 'and that could push more protests into the streets, not fewer.'

International responses began to filter in as the situation evolved. The European Union called for restraint on all sides and urged authorities to protect fundamental rights while ensuring public safety. The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan issued a reminder to all citizens to follow local advisories and emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly. Russia, a longtime regional partner, said it was in contact with Armenian authorities and hoped for a quick, peaceful settlement that avoids civilian harm.

In the border areas, Armenian security officials stressed vigilance against attempts to exploit the crisis to carry out unlawful acts that could threaten neighboring regions. Officials highlighted the importance of maintaining critical services, including healthcare, electricity, and telecommunications, and they pledged to minimize disruptions to everyday life for civilians not involved in the protests.

Local business leaders reported a slowdown in commerce as consumer confidence waned and transportation networks faced intermittent closures. A small business owner in Vanadzor described a drop in foot traffic and concerns about supply chains. 'People are anxious,' he said. 'If this drags on, workers will lose shifts, and that affects families who depend on daily earnings.' Yet others argued that the current moment demanded patience and solidarity, noting that economic stress often intensifies political tension.

As night settled, the city centers remained under heightened security. Streetlights flickered, and security checkpoints appeared at several arterial routes to prevent unauthorized gatherings. Residents who had left their homes to observe demonstrations returned to quieter neighborhoods, carrying messages of hope for a peaceful resolution and an orderly transition that would reflect the broad spectrum of Armenian society.

Looking ahead, observers say the key question is whether concessions can be made quickly enough to de-escalate street confrontations and restore a sense of normalcy. Government officials indicated readiness to engage in talks with opposition groups under the framework of the emergency decree, while signaling that any agreement would be subject to constitutional review. Opponents, however, signaled that they would not back away from demands for greater transparency and a more representative process.

For many ordinary citizens, the immediate concern remains personal safety and the sustenance of daily routines disrupted by curfews and sporadic shutdowns. Parents worried about school schedules, commuters anxious about altered transit routes, and workers navigating changes to shifts all described a shared desire to see a rapid, peaceful solution that respects both public order and the rights of citizens to assemble and express grievances.

The crisis has illuminated the fragility and resilience of Armenia’s political landscape. In coming days, the atmosphere in the streets, the willingness of leaders to negotiate, and the ability of institutions to function under extraordinary power will largely shape the country’s trajectory. Whether the emergency measures prove effective in restoring calm or become a catalyst for deeper impasse remains a question that communities, officials, and international observers will watch with close attention.

Armenie Crisis Escalates: Emergency Declared Amid Unrest

Report Page