Increasing security concerns related to the return of territories under the control of Armenia for the last 30 years to Azerbaijan and the pertinent protests in local communities, led to a movement “Tavush for Homeland” (launched by Archbishop Bagrat of the Tavush Diocese). The Archbishop initiated a march to Yerevan, replicating the methods of the 2018 Velvet Revolution in Armenia, to mobilise people for civil disobedience and demand the resignation of the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Though largely peaceful, the demonstrations were at times met with disproportionate and brutal reactions by the police, who detained hundreds and heavily beat some organisers, as well as peaceful protesters. In particular, violent actions were observed during the protests on May 27, 2024, with a total of 285 persons detained and later released.

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