In Yerevan, Armenia, police clashed with supporters of jailed businessman and government critic Samvel Karapetyan outside a court where a decision was pending on extending his pre-trial detention. The demonstration erupted as Karapetyan's supporters demanded his release, reflecting a significant public backlash against the Armenian government. Footage from the scene showcased the intensity of the clashes, with at least three individuals reportedly detained during the protest.

Samvel Karapetyan, who has been in custody since last June on accusations of inciting a coup and money laundering, is known for his outspoken opposition to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration. The arrest, which Karapetyan claims is politically motivated, highlights the fraught relationship between the Armenian government and various sectors of society, particularly the clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The tensions between Pashinyan’s government and the church have historical roots, notably escalating after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, when church leaders publicly criticized the government's decisions.

The ongoing protests and clashes illustrate a growing discontent among segments of the Armenian populace regarding the government's handling of the political and economic climate, particularly in the aftermath of territorial losses in conflicts with Azerbaijan. As protests continue, they raise questions about the future of political dissent in Armenia and could signal a broader movement against perceived governmental overreach and a lack of accountability, especially in light of pressing national issues like economic uncertainty and social unrest.