Armenia Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.The UNbr>classification of world regions places Armenia in Western Asia; the CIA World Factbook , , and ...

Raffi Hovannisian Raffi K. Richardi Hovannisian ( hy, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Հովհաննիսյան; hyw, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Յովհաննէսեան; born 20 November 1959) is an Armenian politician, the first Foreign Minister of Armenia and t ...

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

Yerevan Yerevan ( , , hy, Երևան , sometimes spelled Erevan) is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and ...

portmanteau A portmanteau word, or portmanteau (, ) is a blend of wordsFirst Nagorno-Karabakh War, have protested against the government of Serzh Sargsyan. The Pre-Parliament civil initiative also held a number of rallies in Yerevan and other cities calling for alternative struggle against the government. Following an announcement on 20 July 2013 of increases in public transportation fares, young activists (mostly students) held various kinds of protests throughout central Yerevan against the decision. It was described as the first ever act of

civil disobedience Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal of a citizen to obey certain laws, demands, orders or commands of a government A government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, generally a stat ...

in independent Armenian history. On 5 November, a small violent protest took place in central Yerevan organized by opposition activist

Shant Harutyunyan Shant Harutyunyan ( hy, Շանթ Հարությունյան, born February 3, 1965, in Yerevan) is an Armenian political and public activist. He was the leader of the ''Tseghakron'' party until 2004 and is the current leader of the United National ...

and calling for an overthrow of the government. A series of rallies were held against Armenia's future membership of

Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia The Eurasian Customs Union (EACU; russian: Таможенный союз ЕАЭС, Tamozhenyi soyuz) was a customs union consisting of all the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. The customs union was a principal task of the Eurasian E ...

, including on 2 December during Russian President

Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin; (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who holds the office of president of Russia. Putin has served continuously as president or prime minister since 1999: as prime m ...

's visit and on 23 December against the gas deal with Russia.

'Barevolution'

Background

The runner-up

Raffi Hovannisian Raffi K. Richardi Hovannisian ( hy, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Հովհաննիսյան; hyw, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Յովհաննէսեան; born 20 November 1959) is an Armenian politician, the first Foreign Minister of Armenia and t ...

didn't recognize the legitimacy of the election and on late night of 18 February 2013, he claimed victory in a press conference, stating "We all know that we have won", continuing "for the first time in 20 years the citizens have said yes to our constitution, to the rule of law, to democracy and our future." However, the international observers gave an overall positive assessment of the conduct of the presidential elections in which

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

was reelected for the second term. Sargsyan also received congratulations from EU, Council of Europe, NATO as well as from the presidents of major powers such as United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Iran, Turkey and many others.

Early stage (19 February–10 March)

On 19 February, a mass of his supporters gathered in Yerevan's Freedom Square, where Hovannisian urged President Sargsyan to accept "people's victory" and concede his defeat. Armenia's former PM

Hrant Bagratyan Hrant Ararati Bagratyan ( hy, Հրանտ Արարատի Բագրատյան; born 18 October 1958) is an Armenian politician. He was the Prime Minister of Armenia from 2 February 1993 until 4 November 1996, and a former member of the Pan-Armenia ...

, who came in the third place, claimed that "authorities tried to stop Hovannisian from winning" and the next day, he urged Hovannisian and Sargsyan to sit at the negotiating table, stating that the election was "not free and unfair" and saw "willing to hold talks". He called on "Raffi Hovannisian and Serzh Sargsyan to sit at the negotiating table and try to find the way out of the situation. Otherwise, it will be impossible to avoid further escalation and clashes." On 19 February 2013, several activists broke into press conference held by OSCE PA election observers and screamed "Stop Legitimizing Fraudulent Elections in Armenia". The observers walked out of the hall and asked for a written statement by the activists in Armenian or English. On 20 February 2013, Hovannisian and his supporters gathered in the Freedom Square. Hovannisian once gain claimed victory and called the people to stay in the square until tomorrow and meet President Sargsyan whose ruling party is expected to hold a rally there. Opposition politician

Nikol Pashinyan Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan ( hy, Նիկոլ Վովայի Փաշինյան, ; born 1 June 1975) is an Armenian politician serving as the prime minister of Armenia since 8 May 2018. A journalist by profession, Pashinyan founded his own newspaper in 1 ...

joined Hovannisian and addressed the people in Freedom Square. Sargsyan Hovannisian 21 February 2013

On 21 February 2013, Hovannisian and Sargsyan met in the Presidential Palace in

Yerevan Yerevan ( , , hy, Երևան , sometimes spelled Erevan) is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and ...

. First, he told a group of his supporters that he was heading for negotiations with Sargsyan, then marched up to the Presidential Palace on Baghramyan Street. The meeting with incumbent President lasted for more than two hours. According to Hovannisian they discussed ways to end the post-election dispute. After Hovannisian left the palace, he said to the gathered crowd of his supporters that "It is not Serzh versus Raffi" and continued that "We are committed to our victory and the Armenian people will have their victory tomorrow." He later announced to his supporters in Freedom Square that he will disclose the details of the meeting tomorrow. The demonstrations continued on 22 February 2013, with

Raffi Hovannisian Raffi K. Richardi Hovannisian ( hy, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Հովհաննիսյան; hyw, Րաֆֆի Կ. Ռիչարդի Յովհաննէսեան; born 20 November 1959) is an Armenian politician, the first Foreign Minister of Armenia and t ...

announcing about yesterday's meeting with incumbent president

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

. According to Hovannisian, he demanded Sargsyan to accept the will of the people and Sargsyan said "no". Armen Martirosyan, a former MP from Hovannisian's Heritage party, claimed that Ashot Giziryan, the Republican governor of

Shirak Province Shirak ( hy, Շիրակ, ) is a province (''marz'') of Armenia. It is located in the north-west of the country, bordering Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north. Its capital and largest city is Gyumri, which is the second largest city in ...

, where Hovannisian won the biggest support, had resigned because of "not enough electoral fraud", while Giziryan himself said "I conceded my defeat and tendered resignation. Let Raffi now concede his defeat." Another major opposition party, the

Armenian Revolutionary Federation The Armenian Revolutionary Federation ( hy, Հայ Յեղափոխական Դաշնակցութիւն, ՀՅԴ ( classical spelling), abbr. ARF or ARF-D) also known as Dashnaktsutyun (collectively referred to as Dashnaks for short), is an Armenia ...

, joined Hovannisian's rally. ARF Council member Armen Rustamyan addressed the crowd saying that "this is an unstoppable movement to establish the rule of the people."

Andrias Ghukasyan Andrias Marati Ghukasyan ( hy, Անդրիաս Մարատի Ղուկասյան) is an Armenian political analyst. Ghukasyan was one of seven candidates in the 2013 presidential election. Early life In 1987, he finished secondary school at N83. ...

, one of the candidates, who did not actively participate in the election, because he was performing a hunger strike against "fake elections", later joined the rally and stated that "the fake elections showed that state cannot be fair, but people displayed their will and came to congratulate Raffi Hovannisian who managed to consolidate Armenian society." Famous Armenian singer-songwriter Ruben Hakhverdyan was also present at the rally. In particular, his statements such as "I don't care for the opinion of those at the top" sparked enthusiasm among the crowd. At the end, Hovannisian called the crowd to continue the "peaceful and constitutional struggle" and informed that he and his supporters will be touring throughout Armenia "to take the victory and greetings." He said they will be in

Ashtarak Ashtarak (Armenian: ), is a town and urban municipal community in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, located on the left bank of Kasagh River along the gorge, northwest of the capital Yerevan. It is the administrative centre of the Aragatsotn pro ...

,

Vanadzor Vanadzor ( hy, Վանաձոր) is an urban municipal community and the third-largest city in Armenia, serving as the capital of Lori Province in the northern part of the country. It is located about north of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 cen ...

and

Gyumri Gyumri ( hy, Գյումրի, ) is an urban municipal community and the second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city w ...

. The rally ended with a march. On 23 February 2013, Hovannisian traveled throughout Armenia. He visited the cities of

Gyumri Gyumri ( hy, Գյումրի, ) is an urban municipal community and the second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city w ...

,

Vanadzor Vanadzor ( hy, Վանաձոր) is an urban municipal community and the third-largest city in Armenia, serving as the capital of Lori Province in the northern part of the country. It is located about north of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 cen ...

,

Ashtarak Ashtarak (Armenian: ), is a town and urban municipal community in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, located on the left bank of Kasagh River along the gorge, northwest of the capital Yerevan. It is the administrative centre of the Aragatsotn pro ...

, Spitak,

Aparan Aparan ( Armenian: ), is a town and urban municipal community in Armenia, located in the Aragatsotn Province, about 50 kilometers northwest of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 census, the population of the town was 6,451. As per the 2016 offi ...

where thousands gathered to hear his speech and the "victory celebration". In Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, where Hovannisian defeated Sargsyan by over 40%, he claimed that he is "not issuing ultimatums but it must be evident to the third president argsyanrespected by me that it's time to transfer power to the people of Armenia." On 23 February 2013,

Levon Ter-Petrosyan Levon Hakobi Ter-Petrosyan ( hy, Լևոն Հակոբի Տեր-Պետրոսյան; born 9 January 1945), also known by his initials LTP, is an Armenian politician who served as the first president of Armenia from 1991 until his resignation in 199 ...

, the first President and the leader of the

Armenian National Congress The Armenian National Congress ( hy, italic=yes, Հայ Ազգային Կոնգրես, translit=Hay Azgayin Kongres) is an Armenian political party led by former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and formed in 2008. Its direct predecessor was the ...

, declared that "the results are obvious to me: residentSerzh Sargsyan was not elected and the winner is Raffi Hovannisian. I have no doubts whatsoever." He also talked about the possibility of joining the protests. On 24 February 2013, a short rally took place in the Freedom Square, where thousands of his supporters were gathered. He in particular announced that "Freedom Square recognizes no party any more, since here stand Armenian people, who in the past elections voted for the Heritage, Armenian National Congress, Prosperous Armenia and even for the Republican Party." Hovannisian claimed that "our only salvation is in our unity."

Nikol Pashinyan Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan ( hy, Նիկոլ Վովայի Փաշինյան, ; born 1 June 1975) is an Armenian politician serving as the prime minister of Armenia since 8 May 2018. A journalist by profession, Pashinyan founded his own newspaper in 1 ...

, one of Hovannisian's main supporting opposition politicians, urged Hovannisian to for a new government that would be confirmed by direct democratic practices on the Freedom Square. On 25 February 2013, Hovannisian held a press conference, where he talked about the current situation in Armenia. He said there is a possibility of appealing the election results in the Constitutional Court. He also claimed that Sargsyan offered him to wait until 2017 and 2018, which was rejected. On 25 February 2013, several hundred university students declared a

student strike Campus protest or student protest is a form of student activism that takes the form of protest at university campuses. Such protests encompass a wide range of activities that indicate student dissatisfaction with a given political or academi ...

against electoral fraud during the election. Students from the

Yerevan State University Yerevan State University (YSU; hy, Երևանի Պետական Համալսարան, ԵՊՀ, ''Yerevani Petakan Hamalsaran''), also simply University of Yerevan, is the oldest continuously operating public university in Armenia. Founded in 1919 ...

started the strike, later students from the

Yerevan State Medical University The Mkhitar Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU, hy, Երեվանի Մխիթար Հերացու անվան Պետական Բժշկական Համալսարան), is an Armenian medical school, medical university located in Yerevan, Arme ...

and Armenian National Agrarian University joined them. The student strikes continued on the following days. The Ministry of Education and Science announced that "political activities and propaganda within the premises of educational institutions is prohibited by law." On 26 and 27 February 2013, Hovannisian visited the cities and towns in the Ararat plain and Syunik. On 28 February 2013, Hovannisian and his supporters once again gathered in the Freedom Square to protest the election results. Famous French-Armenian actor Vardan Petrosyan had arrived in Yerevan a day earlier to address the crowd. He in particular stated that the movement was a victory that took place in "the mind, in the heart, in one's very soul." The mass rallies were disrupted on 1 March 2013, to commemorate the memory of the 10 victims of the

2008 Armenian presidential election protests A series of anti-government riots took place in Armenia following presidential elections held on 19 February 2008. Protests broke out in the Armenian capital Yerevan, organized by supporters of presidential candidate and former president Levon ...

. On 2 March 2013, the mass rallies in Freedom Square continued. Hovannisian set a new "deadline" for the authorities to start "handing over power to the people." On 3 March 2013, Hovannisian met with Prosperous Armenia leader

Gagik Tsarukyan Gagik Tsarukyan ( hy, Գագիկ Ծառուկյան; born 25 November 1956) is an Armenian businessman, politician, and former athlete. Tsarukyan is the founder and leader of the Prosperous Armenia political party. He also owns various large-sca ...

and discussed the ongoing situation in the country. PAP had earlier stated that they are "next to the people." On 4 March 2013, Hovannisian submitted an appeal to the Constitutional Court. His claim will be considered by the court and the court will issue a verdict in 10 days. On 5 March 2013, despite the snow, another rally was held in the Freedom Square. Hovannisian once again stated that there's no way back. He pointed out that "now we have nothing to say o them we have to act and we won't get diverted from our path." The

Armenian Revolutionary Federation The Armenian Revolutionary Federation ( hy, Հայ Յեղափոխական Դաշնակցութիւն, ՀՅԴ ( classical spelling), abbr. ARF or ARF-D) also known as Dashnaktsutyun (collectively referred to as Dashnaks for short), is an Armenia ...

representative Armen Rustamyan urged the opposition parties to consolidate around the upcoming Yerevan City Council election in May. On 6 March 2013, Hovannisian traveled in

Tavush Province Tavush ( hy, Տավուշ, ) is a province of Armenia located at the northeast of Armenia, bordered by Georgia from the north and Azerbaijan from the east. Internally, Tavush borders the Gegharkunik Province from the south, Kotayk Province fro ...

. His supporters gathered in the cities of

Dilijan Dilijan ( hy, Դիլիջան) is a spa town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. The town is one of the most important resorts in Armenia, situated within the Dilijan National Park. The forested town is home to numer ...

,

Ijevan Ijevan ( hy, Իջևան) is a town and urban municipal community in Armenia serving as the administrative centre of the Tavush Province. It is located at the center of the region, at the foot of Ijevan ridge of Gugark Mountains, on the shores of ...

,

Noyemberyan Noyemberyan ( hy, Նոյեմբերյան) is a town and urban municipal community in the northeast of Armenia, within the Tavush Province. It is located 2 km west of the Armenia- Azerbaijan border and 9 km south of the Armenia- Georgi ...

and

Berd Berd ( hy, Բերդ) is a town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. The town is located to the west of the Tavush river, from Yerevan, surrounded by low mountains. Near the city are the ruins of the Tavush fortress ( ...

to hear Hovannisian's speech and congratulations on "people's victory." On 7 March 2013, Hovannisian continued his tour throughout Armenia's northern and central provinces. He visited Chambarak, Talin,

Artik Artik ( Armenian: ), is a town and urban municipal community in the Shirak Province of Armenia. As of the 2011 census, the town had a population of 19,534. As per the 2016 official estimate, the population of Artik is around 18,800. Artik is fa ...

,

Vanadzor Vanadzor ( hy, Վանաձոր) is an urban municipal community and the third-largest city in Armenia, serving as the capital of Lori Province in the northern part of the country. It is located about north of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 cen ...

,

Gyumri Gyumri ( hy, Գյումրի, ) is an urban municipal community and the second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city w ...

, Spitak,

Aparan Aparan ( Armenian: ), is a town and urban municipal community in Armenia, located in the Aragatsotn Province, about 50 kilometers northwest of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 census, the population of the town was 6,451. As per the 2016 offi ...

. On 8 March 2013, on the

International Women's Day International Women's Day (IWD) is a global holiday list of minor secular observances#March, celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights, women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, ...

, the rally in support of Raffi Hovannisian was also dedicated to Armenian women. Among other, Hovannisian's wife Armenouhi also addressed the crowd in Freedom Square. On 9 March 2013, Hovannisian concluded his visits to the provinces of Armenia in Gegharkunik. Hovannisian stopped in the towns Vardenis, Martuni,

Gavar Gavar ( hy, Գավառ) is a town and urban municipal community in Armenia serving as the administrative centre of Gegharkunik Province. It is situated among the high mountains of Gegham range to the west of Lake Sevan, with an average height o ...

, and Sevan. In Sevan, a small incident occurred involving the mayor.

In the Armenian diaspora

Groups of

Armenian-Americans Armenian Americans ( hy, ամերիկահայեր, ''amerikahayer'') are citizens or residents of the United States who have total or partial Armenian ancestry. They form the second largest community of the Armenian diaspora after Armenians i ...

protested the results in front of the Armenian consulates New York on February 22 and Los Angeles on 24 February 2013. On 26 February 2013, prominent Armenian American rock singer,

Serj Tankian Serj Tankian (born August 21, 1967) is an Armenian-American singer, musician, songwriter, political activist and entrepreneur. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, keyboardist, and occasional rhythm guitarist of heavy metal ...

(lead singer of

System of a Down System of a Down (also known as SoaD or simply System) is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. Since 1997, the band has consisted of Serj Tankian (lead vocals, keyboards); Daron Malakian (guitar, v ...

) sent an

open letter An open letter is a letter that is intended to be read by a wide audience, or a letter intended for an individual, but that is nonetheless widely distributed intentionally. Open letters usually take the form of a letter addressed to an individ ...

to President Sargsyan, in which he congratulated on reelection, but also questioned the fairness of the past election. He wrote to incumbent Sargsyan saying "it's time for change" after non-government organizations reported widespread voting fraud. "Corruption, injustice, emigration, lawlessness and falsified elections" are prompting Armenians to emigrate, Tankian wrote. "Citizens across Armenia are protesting the outcome of the elections and the injustice inherent in the political establishment." He also urged Sargsyan to protect the country from its enemies as " Those who steal elections from my people are domestic enemies that need to be punished." On 8 March 2013, a group of French Armenians gathered in front of the Armenian embassy in Paris to protest the alleged rigged election results. On 10 March 2013, a similar protest was held by Armenian community members in

Brussels Brussels (french: Bruxelles or ; nl, Brussel ), officially the Brussels-Capital Region (All text and all but one graphic show the English name as Brussels-Capital Region.) (french: link=no, Région de Bruxelles-Capitale; nl, link=no, Bruss ...

.

Hunger strike (10–31 March)

On 10 March 2013, after addressing his supporters in Freedom Square, Hovannisian announced about his decision to start a hunger strike. He urged President-elect

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

to resign. According to Hovannisian, "this is not just a hunger strike, but a boycott against lies and fraud." At the end, he stated that " on April 9 he inauguration datehe erzh Sargsyangives a pseudo-oath on the Constitution and the Holy Bible and the Supreme Patriarch blesses it and thus defiles the Bible, they will do it on my dead body." Raffi 11 march 2013

On 11 March 2013, after the first day of the hunger strike, Hovannisian described his action as "the new milestone of registering the ''de jure'' victory of the Armenian people." Several notable politicians visited Hovannisian the next day. Among them former Prime Minister Aram Sargsyan, 2003 Presidential candidate

Stepan Demirchyan Stepan Kareni Demirchyan ( hy, Ստեփան Կարենի Դեմիրճյան; born June 7, 1959) is an Armenian politician and son of the Communist-era Armenian leader Karen Demirchyan. Biography Stepan Demirchyan was born in Yerevan and receive ...

, former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, former Speaker of the National Assembly Tigran Torosyan, MP

Nikol Pashinyan Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan ( hy, Նիկոլ Վովայի Փաշինյան, ; born 1 June 1975) is an Armenian politician serving as the prime minister of Armenia since 8 May 2018. A journalist by profession, Pashinyan founded his own newspaper in 1 ...

and

Andrias Ghukasyan Andrias Marati Ghukasyan ( hy, Անդրիաս Մարատի Ղուկասյան) is an Armenian political analyst. Ghukasyan was one of seven candidates in the 2013 presidential election. Early life In 1987, he finished secondary school at N83. ...

. That day, talking about a possible solution of the conflict, Hovannisian also stated that the solution "should be a complex, integral, immediate and guaranteed" one "that I will be able to report to the people to end this standoff." His request to put up a tent was rejected by the police. On 14 March 2013, the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a verdict confirming the victory of President Sargsyan. On 15 March 2013, Hovik Abrahamyan, the Speaker of the National Assembly, visited Hovannisian. Abrahamyan stated that they "have not come to any common denominator, but I think that most likely we will meet again to discuss these issues." Hovannisian later announced about holding civil forums at the Freedom Square. By 21 March 2012, five such events were held with the presence of

Nikol Pashinyan Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan ( hy, Նիկոլ Վովայի Փաշինյան, ; born 1 June 1975) is an Armenian politician serving as the prime minister of Armenia since 8 May 2018. A journalist by profession, Pashinyan founded his own newspaper in 1 ...

,

Andrias Ghukasyan Andrias Marati Ghukasyan ( hy, Անդրիաս Մարատի Ղուկասյան) is an Armenian political analyst. Ghukasyan was one of seven candidates in the 2013 presidential election. Early life In 1987, he finished secondary school at N83. ...

, Tigran Khzmalyan and others. On 22 March 2013, thousands gathered at Freedom Square to hear Hovannisian's speech. He proposed Sargsyan a "last and minimum level" compromise, which called for a "comprehensive power sharing" with the authorities. His proposal includes two options. The first is "immediate conduct of new presidential elections." Hovannisian's second option is "the sharing of power between the authorities and the people" by holding snap parliamentary elections by the end of the year and replacing key regional governors and government members candidates proposed by Hovannisian. Hovannisian later signed it in front of the crowd ready to be sent to President

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

. On 25 March 2013, President Sargsyan responded to Hovannisian's proposal, urging Hovannisian to "stop the hunger strike, recuperate for a day or two" and then the two "will start working seriously together." In the days following, Hovannisian and Sargsyan sent each other letters to start a dialogue. Sargsyan insisted that Hovannisian stop the hunger strike and visit the Presidential Palace, while Hovannisian proposed several times for Sargsyan to go to the Freedom Square and start a negotiation process there. On 29 March 2013, Hovannisian declared that he will end the hunger strike on the Easter day on 31 March and start to visit the regions. As promised, Hovannisian ended his hunger strike on 31 March.

Later developments (1–8 April)

Starting on 1 April 2013, Hovannisian started to visit towns and villages of Armenia. Hovannisian announced on 2 April 2013, that he will try to overshadow Serzh Sargsyan inauguration on 9 April, by holding a similar event in either Freedom Square or Republic Square in Yerevan. On 3 April 2013, talking about the future plans of the movement in Martuni, Hovannisian stated that "Now, you have to decide whose citizens you are – of the Republic of Armenia or of the former president, former governor, chief of police, and I don't know who else." Hovannisian claimed that he visits the provinces "to recruit citizens for the April 9 inauguration of a new Armenia." April 7 marked the start of the 2013 Yerevan City Council election. Hovannisian joined Barev Yerevan alliance's first-day campaign with tree planting in central Yerevan. Barev Yerevan is made up of mostly his Heritage party members and activists. 9 April 2013 Yerevan4

9 April

On 9 April 2013, the officially elected president, incumbent

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

was inaugurated as president of Armenia at the Karen Demirchyan Complex. On the same day, Sargsyan accepted the resignation of the last cabinet in order to form a new one in the upcoming days. In the meantime, thousands of people gathered in the Freedom Square to witness Raffi Hovannisian's "inauguration of a new Armenia." After the formal ceremony in the square, Hovannisian and his supporters hold a "rally of victory" in the streets of central Yerevan. After rallying through several streets Hovannisian and the protesters came back to the Freedom Square at around 6 p.m. and with the demand of the crowd yelling "Hima, hima!" (Now, now!), Hovannisian headed to

Baghramyan Avenue Marshal Baghramyan Avenue ( hy, Մարշալ Բաղրամյան Պողոտա) is an avenue in the central Kentron and the northwestern Arabkir districts of Yerevan, Armenia. The avenue is named after the Soviet Armenian commander and Marshal of ...

, where the Presidential Palace is located. The riot police armed with

baton Baton may refer to: Stick-like objects *Baton, a type of club * Baton (law enforcement) * Baston (weapon), a type of baton used in Arnis and Filipino Martial Arts *Baton charge, a coordinated tactic for dispersing crowds of people *Baton (conduct ...

s and

shield A shield is a piece of personal armour held in the hand, which may or may not be strapped to the wrist or forearm. Shields are used to intercept specific attacks, whether from close-ranged weaponry or projectiles such as arrows, by means of ...

s blocked the Baghramyan Avenue. The protesters clashed with the police, resulting in few injuries, including Armen Martirosyan who led the Heritage party list for the 2013 Yerevan City Council election.

Decline

On 12 April 2013, Hovannisian and few thousand of his supporters gathered in the Freedom Square. Hovannisian pledged to continue the struggle and stated that "In the coming weeks and months we will not give rest to this government and will continue our struggle in Yerevan and other cities and towns." On 19 April 2013, Hovannisian pronounced to the Heritage party members and their supporters about the civic alliance, which he said should be above partisanship.

Armenian Revolutionary Federation The Armenian Revolutionary Federation ( hy, Հայ Յեղափոխական Դաշնակցութիւն, ՀՅԴ ( classical spelling), abbr. ARF or ARF-D) also known as Dashnaktsutyun (collectively referred to as Dashnaks for short), is an Armenia ...

was also present at the meeting, where they presented their own future plan as proposal for Hovannisian. The Yerevan City Council election took place on 5 May 2013. The

Republican Party of Armenia The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA, hy, Հայաստանի Հանրապետական Կուսակցություն, ՀՀԿ; ''Hayastani Hanrapetakan Kusaktsutyun'', ''HHK'') is a national-conservative political party in Armenia led by the thir ...

won absolute majority, while all opposition parties denounced the election results. On 9 May 2013, Raffi Hovannisian addressed his supporters on Freedom Square claiming that the "struggle will continue" and invited all political parties to a meeting on 19 May. On 15 June 2013, Hovannisian held a small meeting with his supporters. He assured that "What we initiated 6 months ago is still in force. The main task of the Heritage is to restore the faith of people". On 23 August, Hovannisian held the biggest rally in months on the 23rd anniversary of Armenia's Declaration of independence. Thousands gathered, while Hovannisian promised a series of anti-government protests in the upcoming month of September. On 20 September 2013, the day before marking the 22nd year of Armenia's independence, Raffi Hovannisian along with former Soviet dissident Paruyr Hayrikyan held a rally at Freedom Square. Hovannisian stated that "Independence Day is not only a national holiday, but also responsibility. Today, on the eve of the holiday, we have gathered here to say that our statehood is in danger." Hovannisian's Heritage party was one of the only parties in Armenia to openly oppose President Sargsyan's decision to join the

Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia The Eurasian Customs Union (EACU; russian: Таможенный союз ЕАЭС, Tamozhenyi soyuz) was a customs union consisting of all the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. The customs union was a principal task of the Eurasian ...

.

Other protests

On 16 May 2013, a small crowd gathered at the Republic Square in front of the government building in Yerevan to protest the possible 65% increase in Russian gas price. On 18 May 2013, hundreds protested the death of 19-year-old soldier named Lyuks Stepanyan killed in

Tavush Province Tavush ( hy, Տավուշ, ) is a province of Armenia located at the northeast of Armenia, bordered by Georgia from the north and Azerbaijan from the east. Internally, Tavush borders the Gegharkunik Province from the south, Kotayk Province fro ...

on 15 May in front of the government building at the Republic Square. They claimed there is a lack of attention from the military authorities for the death of the soldier. A clash occurred on Yerevan-Sevan highway the same day. Allegedly, police cars were smashed in order to open up the way to Yerevan. On 16 June 2013, a group of veterans of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War held a rally in Freedom Square. They called on the Armenian government to improve their social condition. On 5 July Karabakh War veterans held a rally in Freedom Square with similar demands.

Pre-Parliament

Pre-Parliament started a series of protests in Armenia's second largest city of

Gyumri Gyumri ( hy, Գյումրի, ) is an urban municipal community and the second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city w ...

on 9 May 2013. Pre-Parliament members and their supporters held 'protest walks' in Yerevan on 11 and 12 May. On 17 May 2013, the Pre-Parliament held a rally on Freedom Square. Notable speakers included Karabakh War veteran

Jirair Sefilian Jirair Simoni Sefilian ( hy, Ժիրայր Սիմոնի Սէֆիլեան ( classical), Ժիրայր Սիմոնի Սեֆիլյան (reformed); born July 10, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian military commander and political activist. During the Fi ...

, former ASALA member

Alexander Yenikomshian Ara-Alexander "Alec" Yenikomshian ( hy, Ալեք Ենիգոմշեան) (also known as Alec or Alex Yenikomechian) is an Armenian political activist and journalist, a member of Founding Parliament secretariat, co-founder of the " Miatsum Initiativ ...

and filmmaker Tigran Khzmalyan. On 28 May 2013, the Pre-Parliament held a rally in

Gyumri Gyumri ( hy, Գյումրի, ) is an urban municipal community and the second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th century, when the city w ...

, while on 29 May they gathered in Armenia's third largest city of

Vanadzor Vanadzor ( hy, Վանաձոր) is an urban municipal community and the third-largest city in Armenia, serving as the capital of Lori Province in the northern part of the country. It is located about north of the capital Yerevan. As of the 2011 cen ...

. On 31 May 2013, a rally was held in Yerevan's Freedom Square. Colonel Varuzhan Avetisyan stated at the rally that

Jirair Sefilian Jirair Simoni Sefilian ( hy, Ժիրայր Սիմոնի Սէֆիլեան ( classical), Ժիրայր Սիմոնի Սեֆիլյան (reformed); born July 10, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian military commander and political activist. During the Fi ...

, one of the leaders of the Pre-Parliament had received death threats in the past days. On 14 June 2013, a public discussion (forum) of Pre-Parliament took place in Freedom Square. On 25 June 2013, Pre-Parliament held a small rally in southern Armenian city of

Kapan Kapan ( hy, Կապան) is a town in southeast Armenia, serving as the administrative center of the urban community of Kapan Municipality, Kapan as well as the provincial capital of Syunik Province. It is located in the valley of the Voghji River ...

. On 12 July 2013, Pre-Parliament held a rally in Freedom Square. According to the police, around 500 people gathered.

Public transportation fare increase protests (20–25 July)

Since 20 July 2013, the tariffs for

minibuses A minibus, microbus, minicoach, or commuter (in Zimbabwe) is a passenger-carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the ...

(''

marshrutka ''Marshrutka''trolleybuses A trolleybus (also known as trolley bus, trolley coach, trackless trolley, trackless tramin the 1910s and 1920sJoyce, J.; King, J. S.; and Newman, A. G. (1986). ''British Trolleybus Systems'', pp. 9, 12. London: Ian Allan Publishing. .or troll ...

were increased by 50% and 100% respectively. The new fares were set to be 150 drams (~35 US cents) for minibuses and 100 drams (~25 cents) for trolleybuses. According to Henrik Navasardyan, the head of the Yerevan Mayor's Office Transport Department said that the "increase in public transport fares is connected not only with the recent rise in natural gas and electricity tariffs, but is also prompted by other business considerations. Thus, he said, the new fare rates will enable companies to upgrade their vehicles and improve the quality of service." According to a study, this would effect around 65% of Yerevan residents as most of them use public transportation. Days after the new fare was in effect, many passengers still refuse to pay the new tariffs. Armen Poghosyan, the chairman of the Armenian Consumers' Association, said that the "most important decision for the society was made without any public discussion." On 19 July 2013, tens of protesters performed a sit-in against the fare increase on the steps of the Yerevan City Hall. On 20 July 2013, hundreds of young activists throughout central Yerevan called on people not to pay the new fares. The same day, 3 protesters were detained. Similar protests were held in the following days. On 23 July 2013, protests continued throughout central Yerevan. Protests continued in Yerevan on 24 July, especially in

Kentron district Kentron ( hy, Կենտրոն վարչական շրջան, translit=Kentron varčakan šrĵan), is one of the 12 districts of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It comprises the downtown, the commercial centre of the city. As of the 2011 census, the ...

, some protesters tried to block the streets and clashed with policemen. Four activists were detained and later released. As young activists walked urging people to pay the old fares, ordinary people joined them to show solidarity. According to a survey of '' Aravot'' among bus drivers, more and more people who use public transportation refused to pay the new fares. Besides ordinary citizens performing acts of civil disobedience, several celebrities, comedians, actors, TV people, journalists joined the protests by offering free rides to people. On 24 July, a video (see external link on the right) appeared on

YouTube YouTube is a global online video sharing and social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by Google, and is the second most ...

showing a number of Armenian celebrities and public figures, including comedian

Hayko Hayk "Hayko" Hakobyan ( hy, Հայկ Հակոբյան; 25 August 1973 – 29 September 2021) was an Armenian singer and songwriter. Biography Hayko was born on 25 August 1973 in Yerevan, Armenia (then part of the Soviet Union). He studied at Y ...

, Garik and Vache of ''

Vitamin Club Vitamin Club ( hy, Վիտամին Ակումբ) is an Armenian stand-up comedy TV show broadcast by Shant TV channel since August 16, 2010. Long-time residents of the club are Garik Papoyan, Aram Mp3, Vache Tovmasyan, Armush Arman Khachatryan ...

'', actors Lala Mnatsakanyan, Segey Danielyan, TV commentator Petros Ghazaryan, show host Lusine Badalyan and others announcing solidarity with the protesters. On 25 July 2013, after days of mass protests, Mayor of Yerevan

Taron Margaryan Taron Andraniki Margaryan ( arm, Տարոն Անդրանիկի Մարգարյան, born 17 April 1978, Yerevan) is a politician from Armenia. He was the 11th mayor of Yerevan from 2011 to 2018. Head of community and early career From 2001 to 2 ...

issued a statement canceling the new fares. Thousands of Yerevan residents celebrated their "victory" until midnight. On 26 July smaller protests continued near the City Hall. They demanded resignation of the Yerevan Transportation Department Head Henrik Navasardyan.

Against Armenia's entry to the Customs Union

On 3 September 2013, during his visit to Moscow Armenian President

Serzh Sargsyan Serzh Azati Sargsyan ( hy, Սերժ Ազատի Սարգսյան, ; born 30 June 1954)Of ...

stated that Armenia will join the

Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia The Eurasian Customs Union (EACU; russian: Таможенный союз ЕАЭС, Tamozhenyi soyuz) was a customs union consisting of all the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. The customs union was a principal task of the Eurasian ...

, despite the fact that it was expected that Armenia was going to sign the

European Union Association Agreement A European Union Association Agreement or simply Association Agreement (AA) is a treaty between the European Union (EU), its Member States and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. Areas frequently covered by s ...

. On 4 September, a number of protesters gathered in front of the Presidential Palace on

Baghramyan Avenue Marshal Baghramyan Avenue ( hy, Մարշալ Բաղրամյան Պողոտա) is an avenue in the central Kentron and the northwestern Arabkir districts of Yerevan, Armenia. The avenue is named after the Soviet Armenian commander and Marshal of ...

. Some demonstrators were detained. On 21 September 2013, the 22nd anniversary of Armenia's independence, thousands poured into streets to protests Armenia's government decision to join the

Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia The Eurasian Customs Union (EACU; russian: Таможенный союз ЕАЭС, Tamozhenyi soyuz) was a customs union consisting of all the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. The customs union was a principal task of the Eurasian ...

. Minor clashes took place between the protesters with policemen, who blocked the

Baghramyan Avenue Marshal Baghramyan Avenue ( hy, Մարշալ Բաղրամյան Պողոտա) is an avenue in the central Kentron and the northwestern Arabkir districts of Yerevan, Armenia. The avenue is named after the Soviet Armenian commander and Marshal of ...

near the Presidential Palace. The rally began in Freedom Square and was not organized by any political party. On 29 November Soviet era dissident Paruyr Hayrikyan held a rally in Yerevan's Freedom Square against Armenia's decision to join the Russian led Customs Union. During his speech Hayrikyan denounced the move and stated "What else do the Russian imperialists have to do for us to realize they are our greatest enemies?" On 2 December, during Russia's President

Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin; (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who holds the office of president of Russia. Putin has served continuously as president or prime minister since 1999: as prime m ...

's visit 500 to 1,000 protesters marched through central Yerevan against Armenia's plan to join the Customs Union. Their march to the Presidential Palace was blocked by the riot police. On 23 December, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the

National Assembly In politics, a national assembly is either a unicameral legislature, the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or both houses of a bicameral legislature together. In the English language it generally means "an assembly composed of the rep ...

building in

Baghramyan Avenue Marshal Baghramyan Avenue ( hy, Մարշալ Բաղրամյան Պողոտա) is an avenue in the central Kentron and the northwestern Arabkir districts of Yerevan, Armenia. The avenue is named after the Soviet Armenian commander and Marshal of ...

. The ruling Republican party ratified the gas deal with Russia by which "

Gazprom PJSC Gazprom ( rus, Газпром, , ɡɐzˈprom) is a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation headquartered in the Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg. As of 2019, with sales over $120 billion, it was ranked as the largest ...

will gain full control of Armenia's natural gas distribution company ArmRosgazprom" and "will also control all of Armenia's gas imports until 2043." The four opposition parties boycotted the voting by leaving the chamber.

Shant Harutyunyan (5 November)

On 31 October 2013

Shant Harutyunyan Shant Harutyunyan ( hy, Շանթ Հարությունյան, born February 3, 1965, in Yerevan) is an Armenian political and public activist. He was the leader of the ''Tseghakron'' party until 2004 and is the current leader of the United National ...

, a "flamboyant" opposition activist, began a sit-in in the Freedom Square openly calling for a revolution. On 5 November 2013 (the

Gunpowder Plot The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in earlier centuries often called the Gunpowder Treason Plot or the Jesuit Treason, was a failed assassination attempt against King James I by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby who sought ...

day), Shant Harutyunyan addressed tens of his supporters (many wearing

Guy Fawkes mask The Guy Fawkes mask (also known as the ''V for Vendetta'' mask or Anonymous mask) is a stylised depiction of Guy Fawkes (the best-known member of the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up the House of Lords in London on 5November 1605) created by ...

s) who gathered at the Freedom Square. He openly called for the seizure of the Presidential Palace and other key government buildings. Armed with wooden sticks and magnesium flash bombs, Harutyunyan led his supporters to the Presidential Palace on Baghramyan Avenue. Just outside the Freedom Square, on Yerevan's central-most

Mashtots Avenue Mashtots Avenue ( hy, Մաշտոցի Պողոտա ''Mashtots'i Poghota''), known as Lenin Avenue until 1990, is an avenue in the central Kentron district of Yerevan, Armenia Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, i ...

, the riot police reacted by arresting the protesters "as a result of the scuffle that ensued and in which the homemade explosives and flares were used by the protesters." Around twenty people were detained. The ruling Republic party condemned the act, while Armen Martirosyan of the opposition Heritage party said that the "society is greatly unhappy with the authorities and that discontent is slowly yielding extreme results."

Armenian National Congress The Armenian National Congress ( hy, italic=yes, Հայ Ազգային Կոնգրես, translit=Hay Azgayin Kongres) is an Armenian political party led by former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and formed in 2008. Its direct predecessor was the ...

speaker Levon Zurabyan said that "there is nothing surprising about the fact that there will be people who would consider solving the issue by the rule of law to be impossible and would look for other ways."

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2013 Armenian Protests

Protests A protest (also called a demonstration, remonstration or remonstrance) is a public expression of objection, disapproval or dissent towards an idea or action, typically a political one. Protests can be thought of as acts of coopera ...

Human rights abuses in Armenia Protests in Armenia

Armenian Armenian may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to Armenia, a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia * Armenians, the national people of Armenia, or people of Armenian descent ** Armenian Diaspora, Armenian communities across the ...

Armenian democracy movements Protests against results of elections

'Barevolution'

Background

Early stage (19 February–10 March)

In the Armenian diaspora

Hunger strike (10–31 March)

Later developments (1–8 April)

9 April

Decline

Other protests

Pre-Parliament

Public transportation fare increase protests (20–25 July)

Against Armenia's entry to the Customs Union

Shant Harutyunyan (5 November)

See also

References