On the Ninth Day of Protests in Armenia, Dozens Arrested

Protests in Armenia against Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan entered their ninth day on Saturday, and according to Yerevan police, at least 62 more people were arrested by noon on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Armenian Ministry of Justice emphasized the right of state forces to 'disperse the demonstrators.' On the other hand, Nikol Pashinyan, a member of the Armenian parliament and leader of the anti-government protesters, reiterated his statements from the previous day, stating that he would not accept any negotiation with the government and that 'any negotiation is conditional on the resignation of Serge Sargsyan from the position of Prime Minister.' Mr. Pashinyan also stressed that the opposition is not seeking 'revenge' and that 'the sooner Sargsyan resigns, the sooner calm will return to the streets.' Participants in the recent nine-day protests accuse Serge Sargsyan of 'clinging to power.' Mr. Sargsyan's ten-year presidency (two five-year terms) ended about two weeks ago. However, contrary to a promise he made four years ago when deciding to change the government system from presidential to parliamentary, he was recently elected Prime Minister by the Armenian parliament. Sargsyan's first working day in his new position was supposed to begin on Thursday, but demonstrators blocked the administrative area of Yerevan at 'Republic Square,' hindering traffic in the area. On the same day, Armen Sargsyan, the new President of Armenia and not related to the former president, suggested that both sides engage in dialogue to resolve the existing crisis. However, in the past two days, Nikol Pashinyan, the leader of the protesters, has repeatedly rejected this proposal and insisted on Serge Sargsyan's resignation. Protests and gatherings continued in Yerevan on Friday and Saturday nights, with around 200 people arrested. The United States has urged both sides to show restraint and avoid violence. Russia has also stated that laws should not be violated. Additionally, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe expressed concern over police violence and urged Armenian authorities to support the rights of freedom and civil protests in the country.