Activists stage protest against demolition of Afrikyan House in Yerevan

The civil initiative opposing the demolition of Afrikyan House in Yerevan is staging a protest today under the slogan “Requiem for the Afrikyans”. Among the protesters is virtuoso pianist Tigran Amasyan who played at a concert shortly before the protest action.

Policemen tried to block protesters’ way to the metal fencing around the construction site, but protesters began poundings on the fencing.

The Armenian ombudsman’s representative and the deputy police chief Valery Osipyan arrived on the scene.

Following talks with the deputy police chief, the demonstrators stopped active measures, declaring that the Administrative Court’s decision would be announced in an hour and the demolition would discontinue in any event.

“We are protecting a historical and cultural monument built 130 years ago. Two lawsuits have already been filed and an announcement will be made in an hour that the work should stop. Demolition of the building before a court decision is illegal,” an activist said.

Deputy police chief Valery Osipyan said for his part that policemen are present to maintain public order.