Accessibility links

Breaking News

Armenian Opposition Defies Government Ban On Rallies


16 April 2004 -- Thousands of opposition activists are gathering in central Yerevan to demand the departure of President Robert Kocharian despite a government ban on unsanctioned rallies.

Armenian media report protesters initially sought to stage their rally on Freedom Square but were prevented from doing so by hundreds of policemen blocking access to the area ahead of official ceremonies due to be held nearby. Demonstrators then moved to the Matenadaran Library area.

A similar protest turned violent earlier this week when police forcibly dispersed up to 3,000 demonstrators in front of the parliament's building.

The opposition Justice Alliance and its allies accuse Kocharian of rigging last year's presidential and parliamentary elections and want his leadership to be put to a national vote of confidence.

(A1+ TV/Arminfo/AFP)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG