Over 140 detained at Yerevan protests over Nagorno-Karabakh crisis

The protests, which began on September 19, were triggered by the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. These developments saw a decisive victory by Azerbaijani forces over the ethnic Armenian breakaway republic of Artsakh. Armenia, which had long supported Artsakh, witnessed a sudden shift in Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's policy towards the region.

Following the Azerbaijani victory, the government of Azerbaijan compelled the separatist authorities in Artsakh to surrender, disband the Artsakh Defence Army, and engage in negotiations regarding their reintegration within Azerbaijan.

The events have led to widespread unrest in Armenia, with protesters accusing Prime Minister Pashinyan of mismanaging the crisis and abandoning Artsakh.

All 142 detainees from the Yerevan protests have been taken into police custody under Article 182 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, which pertains to the failure to comply with a legal demand of a representative of the authorities.

Prime Minister Pashinyan, who is facing mounting pressure from the demonstrators, has characterized the protests as an attempt to unlawfully remove him from power.

The situation remains fluid, with both the government and protesters locked in a tense standoff. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the potential for further escalation in the region. (ILKHA)