Protesters demand release of political prisoners as EU Commission chief meets Pashinyan

Demonstrators rallied outside the Armenian government headquarters on Thursday, demanding the release of political prisoners as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan inside.

Von der Leyen’s visit focused on pledging European Union support for Armenia and condemning what she described as economic coercion by Russia. Outside, however, dozens of protesters gathered on the sidewalk, barred by police from approaching the building.

Carrying photos of clergy and political figures held in detention or under house arrest, the protesters accused the authorities of jailing people for their political views and free speech. They declared that “delayed justice is denied justice” and denounced attempts to impose authoritarian rule in Armenia.

A heavy police presence was deployed to contain the protest.