2013 Armenian protests

{{see also|Armenian presidential election, 2013}}

The runner-up Raffi Hovannisian 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."{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Campaign Alleges Election Fraud|url=http://asbarez.com/108330/hovannisian-campaign-alleges-voter-fraud/|access-date=19 February 2013|newspaper=Asbarez|date=18 February 2013|agency=Asbarez}}{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian says Sargsyan must accept "people's victory"|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43641/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_ballot_raffi_hovannisian|access-date=19 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222032333/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43641/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_ballot_raffi_hovannisian|url-status=dead}}

However, the international observers gave an overall positive assessment of the conduct of the presidential elections in which Serzh Sargsyan was reelected for the second term.{{cite news|title=Armenian election generally well-administered with fundamental freedoms respected, but some key concerns remain, international election observers say|url=http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/99676|access-date=17 June 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights|quote=Armenia's presidential election was generally well-administered and was characterized by a respect for fundamental freedoms, including those of assembly and expression}} Sargsyan also received congratulations from EU,{{cite news|title=EU Chief Congratulates Sarkisian|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/24912308.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} Council of Europe, NATO{{cite news|title=PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CONGRATULATIONS ON HIS RE-ELECTION|url=http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2013/02/27/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-receiving-congratulation/|access-date=1 March 2013|date=27 February 2013|agency=Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia}} as well as from the presidents of major powers such as United States,{{cite news|title=PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA BARACK OBAMA|url=http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2013/03/02/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-congratulation-Barack-Obama-re-election/|access-date=5 March 2013|date=2 March 2013|agency=Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia}} Russia,{{cite news|title=Vladimir Putin congratulated Serzh Sargsyan|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/708893|access-date=21 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=Armenpress}} United Kingdom,{{cite news|title=British Prime Minister congratulates Armenia's president|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44155/armenia_uk_david_cameron_congratulation_serzh_sargsyan|access-date=10 March 2013|date=6 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow}} France,{{cite news|title=Serzh Sargsyan receives congratulations from foreign leaders|url=http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2013/02/22/congratulations/|access-date=23 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=Panorama.am}} Iran,{{cite news|title=Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated Serzh Sargsyan|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/709043|access-date=21 February 2013|date=20 February 2013|agency=Armenpress}} Turkey{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Turkish President congratulates Sargsyan on election win|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43774/armenia_presidential_election_2013_serzh_sargsyan_abullah_gul|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422030553/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43774/armenia_presidential_election_2013_serzh_sargsyan_abullah_gul|url-status=dead}} and many others.

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.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Raffi Hovannisian gives incumbent until tomorrow to accept "people's victory"|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43693/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_press|access-date=19 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422035819/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43693/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_press|url-status=dead}} Armenia's former PM Hrant Bagratyan, who came in the third place, claimed that "authorities tried to stop Hovannisian from winning"{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Bagratyan claims authorities tried to stop Hovannisian from winning|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43646/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_ballot_bagratyan|access-date=21 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222043718/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43646/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_ballot_bagratyan|url-status=dead}} 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."{{cite news|title=Hrant Bagratyan calls for talks between Armenian president and opposition candidate|url=http://news.am/eng/news/141349.html|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=News.am}} 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.{{cite news|title=Citizen Activist to OSCE Observers: "Stop Legitimizing Fraudulent Elections in Armenia"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23565/citizen-activist-to-osce-observers-stop-legitimizing-fraudulent-elections-in-armenia.html?fb_action_ids=10151253771441651%2C10151252957856651&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.USPfLsjmZRI.like&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151253771441651%22%3A299954730130723%2C%2210151252957856651%22%3A543774305666651%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151253771441651%22%3A%22og.likes%22%2C%2210151252957856651%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%7B%2210151252957856651%22%3A%22.USPfLsjmZRI.like%22%7D|access-date=21 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

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.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Thousands rally in Yerevan to back Hovannisian's claimed election victory|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/43766/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_rally|access-date=20 February 2013|date=20 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow}} Opposition politician Nikol Pashinyan joined Hovannisian and addressed the people in Freedom Square.{{cite news|title=Nikol Pashinyan Addresses Freedom Square Rally; Calls on Opposition to Defend People's Vote|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23630/nikol-pashinyan-addresses-freedom-square-rally;-calls-on-opposition-to-defend-peoples-vote.html|access-date=21 February 2013|date=20 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Pashinyan says people trust Hovannisian|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43723/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_nikol_pashinyan|access-date=21 February 2013|date=20 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223035854/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43723/armenia_presidential_election_2013_february_18_nikol_pashinyan|url-status=dead}}

File:Sargsyan Hovannisian 21 February 2013.jpg on 21 February 2013{{cite web|title=President Sargsyan Received Raffi Hovhannisian|url=http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2013/02/21/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-received-Raffi-Hovhannisian/|publisher=Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013}}]]

On 21 February 2013, Hovannisian and Sargsyan met in the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian in talks with Sargsyan amid post-election standoff|url=http://armenianow.com/news/43789/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224050304/http://armenianow.com/news/43789/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian supporters converging in Yerevan square for possible post-election showdown|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43786/armenia_presidential_election2013_february_21_rally_raffi|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224050325/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43786/armenia_presidential_election2013_february_21_rally_raffi|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian marching to Presidential Palace|url=http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2013/02/21/baghramyan-26/|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=Panorama.am}} The meeting with incumbent President lasted for more than two hours. According to Hovannisian they discussed ways to end the post-election dispute.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013 Part II: Hovannisian-Sargsyan talks produce no immediate news amid continuing post-election standoff|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43795/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_talks|access-date=21 February 2013|date=21 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224050330/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43795/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_talks|url-status=dead}} 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,{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian's supporters gather in Liberty Square|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/147083/|access-date=22 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=PanARMENIAN.Net}} with Raffi Hovannisian announcing about yesterday's meeting with incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan. According to Hovannisian, he demanded Sargsyan to accept the will of the people and Sargsyan said "no".{{cite news|last=Madatyan|first=Marine|title=Raffi Hovannisian: "I demanded that Sargsyan recognize the people's victory. He refused."|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23737/raffi-hovannisian-i-demanded-that-sargsyan-recognize-the-peoples-victory-he-refused.html|access-date=22 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}} Armen Martirosyan, a former MP from Hovannisian's Heritage party, claimed that Ashot Giziryan, the Republican governor of Shirak Province, where Hovannisian won the biggest support,{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Election results show Hovannisian beating Sargsyan in several traditionally pro-government constituencies|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43684/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_support|access-date=22 February 2013|date=19 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222082517/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43684/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_support|url-status=dead}} 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."{{cite news|title=Regional Governor Quits After Election Setback|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/24910135.html|access-date=23 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=Armenian Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}

Another major opposition party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, 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."{{cite news|title='This Movement is Unstoppable': ARF Joins Rally on Freedom Square|url=http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/02/22/this-movement-is-unstoppable-arf-joins-rally-on-freedom-square/|access-date=22 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=The Armenian Weekly}} Andrias Ghukasyan, 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."{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian managed to consolidate Armenian society - Andreas Ghukasyan|url=http://news.am/eng/news/141596.html|access-date=22 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=News.am}} 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.{{cite news|title=I Don't Care For Opinion Of Those At The Top|url=http://www.lragir.am/index.php/eng/0/country/view/29052|access-date=23 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=Lragir.am}}

{{multiple image

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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, Vanadzor and Gyumri.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian says 'committed' to struggle after no compromise with Sargsyan|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43843/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_showdown_rally|access-date=22 February 2013|date=22 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224050458/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43843/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_showdown_rally|url-status=dead}} The rally ended with a march.

On 23 February 2013, Hovannisian traveled throughout Armenia. He visited the cities of Gyumri, Vanadzor, Ashtarak, Spitak, Aparan{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian tours regions as part of his BAREVolution campaign|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43849/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_gyumri_vanadzor_ashtarak|access-date=25 February 2013|date=23 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227012414/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43849/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_gyumri_vanadzor_ashtarak|url-status=dead}} 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 [Sargsyan] respected by me that it's time to transfer power to the people of Armenia."{{cite news|title=Hovannisian's Election 'Victory' Recognized By Ter-Petrosian|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/24910823.html|access-date=23 February 2013|date=23 February 2013|author=Anush Mkrtchian and Satenik Vantsian|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}{{cite news|last=Madatyan|first=Marine|title=Hovannisian Takes Victory Tour to Ashtarak: "Time for Serzh to accept defeat"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23752/hovannisian-takes-victory-tour-to-ashtarak-time-for-serzh-to-accept-defeat.html|access-date=23 February 2013|date=23 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}} On 23 February 2013, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first President and the leader of the Armenian National Congress, declared that "the results are obvious to me: [President] Serzh 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."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: BAREVolution campaign predicts "new flood in Noahland"|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43853/raffi_hovannisian_february24_rally_liberty_square|access-date=25 February 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227013925/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43853/raffi_hovannisian_february24_rally_liberty_square|url-status=dead}} Nikol Pashinyan, 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.{{cite news|title=Pashinyan calls for "new government" to be appointed by "president-elect" Hovannisian|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43862/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_pashinyan|access-date=25 February 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422030717/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43862/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_pashinyan|url-status=dead}}

File:Barevolution.jpg-colored poster with the word "Բարև" (hello) written on it is the symbol of the movementSee [http://www.armenianow.com/hy/vote_2013/44131/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_barevolution_serzh_sargsyan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310055107/http://www.armenianow.com/hy/vote_2013/44131/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_barevolution_serzh_sargsyan |date=2013-03-10 }} [http://www.aravot.am/2013/02/27/208578/]]]

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.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Opposition leader rejects final election results, set to continue BAREVolution campaign|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43889/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_election_results|access-date=25 February 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227061424/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43889/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_election_results|url-status=dead}}

On 25 February 2013, several hundred university students declared a student strike against electoral fraud during the election. Students from the Yerevan State University started the strike, later students from the Yerevan State Medical University and Armenian National Agrarian University joined them.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Students urge boycott in wake of election|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43885/raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_armenia_presidential_election_yerevan_state_university|access-date=25 February 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227182817/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43885/raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_armenia_presidential_election_yerevan_state_university|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Mamyan|first=Mаry|title=Striking Yerevan State University Students: "We demand a Serzh-Free Armenia"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23806/yerevan-state-universrty-students-stage-strike-to-protest-election-results.html|access-date=25 February 2013|date=25 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}} 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."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Student factor in post-election standoff; study v boycott|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43944/armenia_presidential_election_2013_student_boycott|access-date=1 March 2013|date=27 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302021047/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43944/armenia_presidential_election_2013_student_boycott|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Gadarigian|first=Hrant|title=Yerevan's Striking Students: A Clash of Interests and Cultures|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23886/yerevan%E2%80%99s-striking-students-a-clash-of-interests-and-cultures.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=27 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

On 26 and 27 February 2013, Hovannisian visited the cities and towns in the Ararat plain and Syunik.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian continues post-election campaign to regions|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43953/raffi_hovannisian_campaign_armenia_regions|access-date=1 March 2013|date=27 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302040626/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43953/raffi_hovannisian_campaign_armenia_regions|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian spurns Western salutations of Sargsyan win|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43905/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_congratulations|access-date=1 March 2013|date=26 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422024654/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43905/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_congratulations|url-status=dead}}

On 28 February 2013, Hovannisian and his supporters once again gathered in the Freedom Square to protest the election results.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Armenian opposition leader rallies support for Barevolution campaign|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44013/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_rally_serzh_sargsyan_barevolution|access-date=1 March 2013|date=28 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302063137/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44013/armenia_presidential_election_2013_raffi_hovannisian_rally_serzh_sargsyan_barevolution|url-status=dead}} 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."{{cite news|title=Freedom Square - Raffi Hovannisian Calls for Unity of Purpose; Vardan Petrosyan: "The people have spoken"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23953/freedom-square---raffi-hovannisian-calls-for-unity-of-purpose;-vardan-petrosyan-%E2%80%9Cthe-people-have-spoken%E2%80%9D.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=28 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

The mass rallies were disrupted on 1 March 2013, to commemorate the memory of the 10 victims of the 2008 Armenian presidential election protests.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian says parliament matters not the issue in "this national crisis"|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44048/raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_heritage_party_armenia_presidential_election|access-date=1 March 2013|date=1 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=4 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304021708/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44048/raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_heritage_party_armenia_presidential_election|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=From March 1 to March 1: Five years on, post-election protests look familiar, yet different|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44039/armenia_presidential_election_2013_march1_parallels|access-date=1 March 2013|date=1 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=4 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304005220/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44039/armenia_presidential_election_2013_march1_parallels|url-status=dead}}

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."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Opposition candidate sets new deadline for "power handover"|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44058/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_constitutional_court|access-date=5 March 2013|date=2 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=4 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304110156/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44058/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_constitutional_court|url-status=dead}}

On 3 March 2013, Hovannisian met with Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukyan and discussed the ongoing situation in the country. PAP had earlier stated that they are "next to the people."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Western investment v Russian commandos as likely post-election dilemma for Armenia|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44088/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_osce_odihr_third_intermediate_report|access-date=6 March 2013|date=4 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow}}

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.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Opposition candidate appeals election outcome at Constitutional Court|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44101/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_constitutional_court|access-date=6 March 2013|date=4 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=7 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307023111/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44101/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_constitutional_court|url-status=dead}}

On 5 March 2013, despite the snow,{{cite news|title=March 5: Barevolution Continues Under a Cold Wet Snow|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/24137/march-5-barevolution-continues-under-a-cold-wet-snow.html|access-date=10 March 2013|date=5 March 2013|agency=Hetq Online}} 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 [to them], we have to act and we won't get diverted from our path."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Opposition candidate vows 'continued struggle'|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44141/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally|access-date=6 March 2013|date=6 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=10 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310000049/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44141/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally|url-status=dead}} The Armenian Revolutionary Federation representative Armen Rustamyan urged the opposition parties to consolidate around the upcoming Yerevan City Council election in May.{{cite news|title=The longest way around…: Movement formed on post-election protests appears to be getting ready for 'step-by-step' struggle|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44179/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_government_dashnaks_elections_yerevan|access-date=12 March 2013|date=6 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=10 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310043643/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44179/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_government_dashnaks_elections_yerevan|url-status=dead}}

On 6 March 2013, Hovannisian traveled in Tavush Province. His supporters gathered in the cities of Dilijan, Ijevan, Noyemberyan and Berd 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, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Spitak, Aparan.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Hovannisian resumes visits to provinces|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44248/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_barevolution_province_visits|access-date=12 March 2013|date=7 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=11 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311052742/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44248/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_barevolution_province_visits|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Heritage party's leader tours Armenia's regions (video, updated)|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/03/07/raffi-hovhannisyan-tour/|access-date=12 March 2013|date=7 March 2013|agency=Tert'am|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729174901/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/03/07/raffi-hovhannisyan-tour/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Hovannisan Wraps-Up 2 Day Regional Tour; International Women's Day Celebration on March 8|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/24238/hovannisan-wraps-up-2-day-regional-tour;-international-women%E2%80%99s-day-celebration-on-march-8.html|access-date=12 March 2013|date=8 March 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

On 8 March 2013, on the International Women's Day, 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.{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian: "Whether men or women, we have all been impregnated with Armenian hope"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/24251/raffi-hovannisian-whether-men-or-women-we-have-all-been-impregnated-with-armenian-hope.html|access-date=12 March 2013|date=8 March 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

On 9 March 2013, Hovannisian concluded his visits to the provinces of Armenia in Gegharkunik. Hovannisian stopped in the towns Vardenis, Martuni, Gavar, and Sevan. In Sevan, a small incident occurred involving the mayor.{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian declares victory in the Gegharkunik Region|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/24277/|access-date=12 March 2013|date=9 March 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

Groups of Armenian-Americans protested the results in front of the Armenian consulates New York on February 22 and Los Angeles on 24 February 2013.{{cite news|title=February 24, Los Angeles - March to Protest Phony Elections in Armenia|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23748/february-24-los-angeles---march-to-protest-phony-elections-in-armenia.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=23 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}{{cite news|title=New York Armenians Protest Fraudulent Elections in Armenia|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/23776/new-york-armenians-protest-fraudulent-elections-in-armenia.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=24 February 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

On 26 February 2013, prominent Armenian American rock singer, Serj Tankian (lead singer of System of a Down) sent an open letter to President Sargsyan, in which he congratulated on reelection, but also questioned the fairness of the past election.{{cite news|title=U.S. Rock Star Questions Armenian Poll Result|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/24913319.html|access-date=1 March 2013|date=26 February 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}{{cite news|title=Serj to Serzh: Armenian American rock star casts doubts over Sargsyan's election victory, urges change|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/43901/armenia_presidential_election_2013_serzh_sargsyan_serj_tankian|access-date=1 March 2013|date=26 February 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow}} He wrote to incumbent Sargsyan saying "it's time for change" after non-government organizations reported widespread voting fraud.{{cite news|title=Rock Star Confronts Armenian Leader as Rally Marks Deaths |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-28/rock-star-confronts-armenia-leader-on-vote-as-rally-marks-deaths.html|date=1 March 2013|agency=Bloomberg}} "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."{{cite news|title=Tankian's letter to Sargsyan|url=http://civilnet.am/2013/02/26/%D5%BD%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AA-%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A8-%D5%B0%D5%B0-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%A3%D5%A1%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B6/|date=26 February 2013|agency=Civilnet.am|access-date=13 March 2013|archive-date=2 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302013323/http://civilnet.am/2013/02/26/%D5%BD%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AA-%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A8-%D5%B0%D5%B0-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%A3%D5%A1%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B6/|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite news|title=Action in support of Raffi Hovannisian held in Paris|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/149116/|access-date=10 March 2013|date=9 March 2013|agency=PanARMENIAN.Net}} On 10 March 2013, a similar protest was held by Armenian community members in Brussels.{{cite news|title=Action to support Raffi Hovannisian in Brussels|url=http://www.arminfo.info/index.cfm?objectid=3310B520-8A3C-11E2-A879F6327207157C|access-date=12 March 2013|date=11 March 2013|agency=ArmInfo}}

On 10 March 2013, after addressing his supporters in Freedom Square, Hovannisian announced about his decision to start a hunger strike.{{cite news|title=Armenian Opposition Leader Goes on Hunger Strike|url=http://en.ria.ru/politics/20130310/179928287.html|access-date=10 March 2013|date=10 March 2013|agency=RIA Novosti}}{{cite news|title=Former Armenian Presidential Candidate Goes On Hunger Strike|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-hovannisian-hunger-strike/24924903.html|access-date=12 March 2013|date=11 March 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} He urged President-elect Serzh Sargsyan to resign. According to Hovannisian, "this is not just a hunger strike, but a boycott against lies and fraud."{{cite news|title=Armenian opposition chief on hunger strike over lost election|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-election-idUSBRE9290EV20130310|access-date=12 March 2013|date=10 March 2013|work=Reuters}}

At the end, he stated that "[i]f on April 9 [the inauguration date] he [Serzh Sargsyan] gives 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."{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Raffi Hovannisian goes on hunger strike|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44288/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_hungerstrike|access-date=10 March 2013|date=10 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313091330/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44288/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_hungerstrike|url-status=dead}}

File:Raffi 11 march 2013.jpg

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."{{cite news|title=Hovannisian on Strike: Day 1 "wonderful", says the opposition leader|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44321/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_serzh_sargsyan|access-date=13 March 2013|date=11 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313055657/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44321/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_serzh_sargsyan|url-status=dead}}

Several notable politicians visited Hovannisian the next day. Among them former Prime Minister Aram Sargsyan, 2003 Presidential candidate Stepan Demirchyan, former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, former Speaker of the National Assembly Tigran Torosyan, MP Nikol Pashinyan and Andrias Ghukasyan.{{cite news|title=Still waiting for Sargsyan: Hunger-striking Hovannisian says 'de facto' president now has to come to Liberty Square|url=http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44332/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_hunger_strike|access-date=12 March 2013|date=12 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313055729/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44332/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_hunger_strike|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|title=Hovannisian on Strike, Day 2: Request of tent denied|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44359/raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_serzh_sargsyan_armenia_presidential_election|access-date=13 March 2013|date=12 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316042430/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44359/raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_serzh_sargsyan_armenia_presidential_election|url-status=dead}}

On 14 March 2013, the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a verdict confirming the victory of President Sargsyan.{{cite news|title=Decision 2013: Highest Court upholds Sargsyan victory|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44461/armvote13_constitutional_court_decision_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan|access-date=14 March 2013|date=14 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow}}

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."{{cite news|title=Weekend Update: Speaker Abrahamyan visits Hovannisian; rock concerts and civil forum in Liberty Square|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44514/hovannisian_hunger_strike_freedom_square|access-date=18 March 2013|date=18 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=21 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321061414/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44514/hovannisian_hunger_strike_freedom_square|url-status=dead}}

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, Andrias Ghukasyan, Tigran Khzmalyan and others.{{cite news|title=No Republican has the right to dwell on free and fair elections|url=http://www.lragir.am/index.php/eng/0/country/view/29376|access-date=22 March 2013|date=21 March 2013|agency=Lragir.am}}

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.{{cite news|title=Opposition leader lays out 'minimum' compromise to end postelection standoff|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44679/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_proposal_serzh_sargsyan|access-date=22 March 2013|date=22 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=31 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331065823/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44679/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_rally_proposal_serzh_sargsyan|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Calls for 'Comprehensive Power Sharing'|url=http://asbarez.com/108951/hovannisian-calls-for-%E2%80%98comprehensive-power-sharing%E2%80%99/|access-date=22 March 2013|date=22 March 2013|agency=Asbarez}}

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."{{cite news|title=Dialogue or Dismissal?: President responds to opposition leader's letter|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44707/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_raffi_hovannisian|access-date=25 March 2013|date=25 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329101725/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44707/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_raffi_hovannisian|url-status=dead}}

In the days following, Hovannisian and Sargsyan sent each other letters to start a dialogue.{{cite news|title=Hovannisian ready to meet Sargsyan in Liberty Square or continue dialogue by correspondence|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44749/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_letter|access-date=29 March 2013|date=26 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422032432/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44749/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_letter|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|title=Sargsyan insists on meeting hunger-striking opponent in his office|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44795/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_reply_raffi_hovannisian|access-date=29 March 2013|date=27 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422032744/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44795/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_reply_raffi_hovannisian|url-status=dead}}

On 29 March 2013, Hovannisian declared that he will end the hunger strike on the Easter day on 31 March{{cite news|title=Armenia opposition chief ends hunger strike, calls for protests|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-election-idUSBRE92S0DJ20130329|access-date=5 April 2013|date=29 March 2013|work=Reuters}} and start to visit the regions.{{cite news|title=Hovannisian set to end hunger strike on Easter, plans more trips to regions|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44896/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_ends_easter|access-date=29 March 2013|date=29 March 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422031844/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44896/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_hunger_strike_ends_easter|url-status=dead}} As promised, Hovannisian ended his hunger strike on 31 March.{{cite news|title=Hovannisian ends hunger strike, attends Easter Service|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44905/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_quits_hunger_strike|access-date=1 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=31 March 2013}}

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.{{cite news|title=Is The Armenian Postelection Standoff Over?|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-postelection-standoff-over/24945455.html|access-date=5 April 2013|date=2 April 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Planning Alternative 'Inauguration'|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/24946019.html|access-date=3 April 2013|date=2 April 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}

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."{{cite news|title=Hovannisian calls for show of support at hour of Sargsyan inauguration|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/45016/hovannisian_sargsyan_inauguration_protest|access-date=5 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=4 April 2013|archive-date=10 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410160213/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/45016/hovannisian_sargsyan_inauguration_protest|url-status=dead}} Hovannisian claimed that he visits the provinces "to recruit citizens for the April 9 inauguration of a new Armenia."{{cite news|title=Rally in the Regions: Hovannisian appeals to provinces to "inaugurate a New Armenia"|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/44982/raffi_hovannisian_rally_regions|access-date=4 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=3 April 2013|archive-date=6 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406043257/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/44982/raffi_hovannisian_rally_regions|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Planning Alternative 'Inauguration'|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/24946019.html|access-date=5 April 2013|date=2 April 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}

April 7 marked the start of the 2013 Yerevan City Council election.{{cite news|title=Yerevan city council election campaign kicks off|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/153168/Yerevan_city_council_election_campaign_kicks_off|access-date=7 April 2013|date=7 April 2013|agency=PanARMENIAN.Net}} 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.{{cite news|title=Barev Yerevan alliance starts its campaign with tree planting|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/04/07/yerevan-campaign/|access-date=7 April 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=7 April 2013|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729191715/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/04/07/yerevan-campaign/|url-status=dead}}

File:9 April 2013 Yerevan4.jpg on 9 April 2013]]

On 9 April 2013, the officially elected president, incumbent Serzh Sargsyan was inaugurated as president of Armenia at the Karen Demirchyan Complex.{{cite news|title=The Newly Elected President Serzh Sargsyan at The Extraordinary Session of The RA National Assembly Assumed the Office of President of the Republic of Armenia|url=http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2013/04/09/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-assumed-the-office-of-President-of-the-Republic-of-Armenia/|access-date=10 April 2013|date=9 April 2013|agency=Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia}} On the same day, Sargsyan accepted the resignation of the last cabinet in order to form a new one in the upcoming days.{{cite news|title=President Serzh Sargsyan accepted resignation of the Government of RA|url=http://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2013/04/09/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-accepted-resignation-of-the-Government-of-RA/|access-date=10 April 2013|date=9 April 2013|agency=Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia}}

In the meantime, thousands of people gathered in the Freedom Square to witness Raffi Hovannisian's "inauguration of a new Armenia."{{cite news|title=The Other "Inauguration": Hovannisian declares no "sham leaders"|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/45158/raffi_hovannisian_innaguration_liberty_square|access-date=10 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=9 April 2013|archive-date=13 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413144725/http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/45158/raffi_hovannisian_innaguration_liberty_square|url-status=dead}} After the formal ceremony in the square, Hovannisian and his supporters hold a "rally of victory" in the streets of central Yerevan.{{cite news|title=Armenian opposition cries foul as president is re-installed|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-rt-armenia-opposition-tv-pixl5n0cw288-20130409,0,7534320.story|access-date=10 April 2013|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=9 April 2013}}{{cite news|title=Armenia: big protest as president is sworn in again|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/04/09/armenia-big-protest-as-president-is-sworn-in-again/|access-date=10 April 2013|date=9 April 2013|agency=Euronews}} 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, where the Presidential Palace is located.{{cite news|title=Tense Standoff Between Protesters and Riot Police at Baghramyan Ave|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/25304/tense-standoff-between-protesters-and-riot-police-at-baghramyan-ave.html|access-date=10 April 2013|newspaper=Hetq Online|date=9 April 2013}} The riot police armed with batons and shields blocked the Baghramyan Avenue.{{cite news|title=Police Halt Opposition March In Yerevan|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/24952742.html|access-date=15 July 2013|date=9 April 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} 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.{{cite news|title=Inauguration Day Fallout: April 9 shapes competing opposition agendas in Armenia|url=http://www.armenianow.com/vote_2013/45188/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_inauguration_day|access-date=15 July 2013|date=10 April 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829002013/http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/45188/armvote13_raffi_hovannisian_serzh_sargsyan_inauguration_day|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Supporters Scuffle with Police in Yerevan|url=http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/04/09/hovannisian-supporters-scuffle-with-police-in-yerevan/|access-date=10 April 2013|newspaper=The Armenian Weekly|date=9 April 2013}}

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."{{cite news|title=Post-April 9 Rally: Hovannisian pledges no letup on struggle against 'false' government|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/politics/45303/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_rally_program_speech|access-date=22 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=12 April 2013|archive-date=25 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425122131/http://armenianow.com/news/politics/45303/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_rally_program_speech|url-status=dead}} 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 was also present at the meeting, where they presented their own future plan as proposal for Hovannisian.{{cite news|title=Opposition leader says new movement to stand above partisan politics|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/politics/45499/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_new_movement|access-date=22 April 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=19 April 2013|archive-date=24 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424221238/http://armenianow.com/news/politics/45499/armenia_raffi_hovannisian_new_movement|url-status=dead}}

The Yerevan City Council election took place on 5 May 2013. The Republican Party of Armenia 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.{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian: Struggle Will Continue|url=http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/country/view/29843|access-date=18 May 2013|date=10 May 2013|agency=Lragir.am}}

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".{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian: If I disappointed anyone...|url=http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2013/06/15/raffi-hovannisyan|access-date=15 June 2013|date=15 June 2013|agency=A1plus}}

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.{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian Holds Public Meeting: "Change Must Come By Year's End"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28866/raffi-hovannisian-holds-public-meeting-%E2%80%9Cchange-must-come-by-year%E2%80%99s-end%E2%80%9D.html|access-date=26 August 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=24 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=Hovanissian Promises New Set of Rallies|url=http://asbarez.com/113161/hovanissian-promises-new-set-of-rallies/|access-date=26 August 2013|newspaper=Asbarez|date=23 August 2013}}

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.{{cite news|title=Hovannisian Again Condemns Deal With Russia|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25112844.html|access-date=22 September 2013|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=20 September 2013}}{{cite news|title=Raffi Hovannisian: We must form national front and embark on struggle|url=http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2013/09/20/raffi-hovhannisyan/|access-date=22 September 2013|newspaper=Aysor|date=20 September 2013}}

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.{{cite news|title=Demonstrators Converge on Government Building to Protest Likely Gas Hike|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/26536/demonstrators-converge-on-government-building-to-protest-likely-gas-hike.html|access-date=18 May 2013|date=16 May 2013|agency=Hetq Online}}

On 18 May 2013, hundreds protested the death of 19-year-old soldier named Lyuks Stepanyan killed in Tavush Province 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.{{cite news|title=Killed soldier's family turned back as dozens stage protest in Yerevan|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/46210/armenia_soldier_funeral_protest_action|access-date=18 May 2013|date=18 May 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=17 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617041940/http://armenianow.com/news/46210/armenia_soldier_funeral_protest_action|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Parents of killed soldier decide to come back home|url=http://news.am/eng/news/154134.html|access-date=18 May 2013|date=18 May 2013|agency=News.am}} A clash occurred on Yerevan-Sevan highway the same day. Allegedly, police cars were smashed in order to open up the way to Yerevan.{{cite news|script-title=hy:Ծեծկռտուք ոստիկանների և սպանված զինվորի հարազատների միջև. նրանց չեն թողնում Երևան գալ|url=https://news.am/arm/news/154103.html|access-date=18 May 2013|date=18 May 2013|agency=News.am|language=hy}}

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.{{cite news|title=Karabakh war veterans hold rally in Armenia's capital|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/16/freedomfighter/|access-date=17 June 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=16 June 2013|archive-date=7 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807140348/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/16/freedomfighter/|url-status=dead}}

On 5 July Karabakh War veterans held a rally in Freedom Square with similar demands.{{cite news|title=Պետությունը թող չհասցնի կուլմինացիոն կետի, որ շրջանի ազատամարտիկը գերանդին գցի ու գա հասնի ստեղ, կամ գերանդիով գա ստեղ հնձելու. ազատամարտիկ|url=http://www.galatv.am/news/view/news-azatamartik_0507.html|access-date=5 July 2013|newspaper=Gala TV|date=5 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002014800/http://www.galatv.am/news/view/news-azatamartik_0507.html|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

{{see also|Pre-Parliament (Armenia)}}

Pre-Parliament started a series of protests in Armenia's second largest city of Gyumri on 9 May 2013.{{cite news|title=March precedes Pre-parliament's rally in Gyumri (photos, video)|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/09/preparliament-gyumri/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615215352/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/09/preparliament-gyumri/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2013|access-date=11 May 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=9 May 2013}}{{cite news|script-title=hy:Նախախորհրդարանի հանրահավաքը Գյումրիում|url=http://www.galatv.am/news/view/photo_0905.html|access-date=11 May 2013|date=9 May 2013|agency=Gala TV|language=hy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002122827/http://www.galatv.am/news/view/photo_0905.html|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Pre-Parliament members and their supporters held 'protest walks' in Yerevan on 11 and 12 May.{{cite news|script-title=hy:Մարդիկ այլևս չեն ուզում ապրել այսպես...|url=http://www.galatv.am/news/view/%D1%82%D1%82789.html|access-date=12 May 2013|date=12 May 2013|agency=Gala TV|language=hy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001190126/http://www.galatv.am/news/view/%D1%82%D1%82789.html|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 17 May 2013, the Pre-Parliament held a rally on Freedom Square. Notable speakers included Karabakh War veteran Jirair Sefilian, former ASALA member Alexander Yenikomshian and filmmaker Tigran Khzmalyan.{{cite news|title=No liberation without struggle - Zhirair Sefilyan|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/17/meeting-nakhakhorhrdaran/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615215327/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/17/meeting-nakhakhorhrdaran/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2013|access-date=18 May 2013|date=17 May 2013|agency=Tert.am}}

On 28 May 2013, the Pre-Parliament held a rally in Gyumri,{{cite news|title=Pre-parliament holds meeting|url=https://en.a1plus.am/38814.html|access-date=30 May 2013|date=28 May 2013|agency=A1plus}} while on 29 May they gathered in Armenia's third largest city of Vanadzor.

On 31 May 2013, a rally was held in Yerevan's Freedom Square.{{cite news|title=Pre-parliament to hold open-air discussion|url=http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2013/05/31/pre-parliament|access-date=1 June 2013|date=31 May 2013|agency=A1plus}} Colonel Varuzhan Avetisyan stated at the rally that Jirair Sefilian, one of the leaders of the Pre-Parliament had received death threats in the past days.{{cite news|title=Preparliament opens meeting in Armenia's capital|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/31/naxaxorhrdaran/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615215227/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/05/31/naxaxorhrdaran/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2013|access-date=1 June 2013|date=31 May 2013|agency=Tert.am}}

On 14 June 2013, a public discussion (forum) of Pre-Parliament took place in Freedom Square.{{cite news|title=Armenia's Pre-parliament starts regular meeting|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/14/preparliament/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624185540/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/06/14/preparliament/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2013|access-date=17 June 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=14 June 2013}}{{cite news|title=Pre-Parliament told hold discussion June 14|url=http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2013/06/13/naxaxorhrdaran|access-date=17 June 2013|newspaper=A1plus|date=13 June 2013}}

On 25 June 2013, Pre-Parliament held a small rally in southern Armenian city of Kapan.{{cite news|last=Soghomonyan|first=Meri|title=Նախախորհրդարանի ներկայացուցիչները կապանցիներին կոչ էին անում միանալ իրենց շարժմանն ու նոր երկիր կառուցելու իրենց ծրագրին|url=http://www.aravot.am/2013/06/25/258844/|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=Aravot|date=25 June 2013}}

On 12 July 2013, Pre-Parliament held a rally in Freedom Square.{{cite news|script-title=hy:"Սեր-ժի՛կ, հեռացի՛ր". պահանջում են հանրահավաքի մասնակիցները|url=http://www.aravot.am/2013/07/12/265233/|access-date=15 July 2013|newspaper=Aravot|date=12 July 2013|language=hy}} According to the police, around 500 people gathered.{{cite news|script-title=hy:Ժիրայր Սէֆիլյանը՝ Օսիպյանին. "Ընդհանուր սկի Ազատության հրապարակում 500 մարդ չկար"|url=http://www.aravot.am/2013/07/12/265305/|access-date=16 July 2013|newspaper=Aravot|date=12 July 2013|language=hy}}

File:22 July 2013 Yerevan.jpg

File:Voch 150 dramin.png

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| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk4_qzVK8-4 Չեմ վճարելու 150 դրամ]: A video by Armenian celebrities and public figures showing solidarity to the protesters

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Since 20 July 2013, the tariffs for minibuses (marshrutkas) and trolleybuses 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.{{cite news|title=Public Transport Fares Soar In Yerevan|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25050397.html|access-date=22 July 2013|date=18 July 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} 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."{{cite news|title=Opposition groups challenge bus fare rise; officials see no alternative|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/politics/47823/armenia_transport_fare_rise_opposition|access-date=21 July 2013|date=19 July 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=22 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722034803/http://armenianow.com/news/politics/47823/armenia_transport_fare_rise_opposition|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite news|title=Bus Fuss: Riders rebel against increase in public transport fares|url=http://www.armenianow.com/society/47884/yerevan_public_transport_150drams|access-date=22 July 2013|date=22 July 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=25 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725104641/http://armenianow.com/society/47884/yerevan_public_transport_150drams|url-status=dead}} Armen Poghosyan, the chairman of the Armenian Consumers' Association, said that the "most important decision for the society was made without any public discussion."{{cite news|title=50-percent rise in transport fares does not inspire confidence - NGO representat|url=http://news.am/eng/news/163297.html|access-date=22 July 2013|newspaper=News.am|date=19 July 2013}}

On 19 July 2013, tens of protesters performed a sit-in against the fare increase on the steps of the Yerevan City Hall.{{cite news|title=Protesting Transportation Price Hike, Activists Stage Sit-Down at Yerevan Municipality|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28230/protesting-transportation-price-hike-activists-stage-sit-down-at-yerevan-municipality.html|access-date=22 July 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=19 July 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Police Detain 3 Activists for Distributing Flyers Protesting Fare Hikes|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28247/police-detain-3-activists-for-distributing-flyers-protesting-fare-hikes.html|access-date=22 July 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=20 July 2013}} Similar protests were held in the following days.{{cite news|title=More public outcry as transport fares go up in Yerevan|url=http://www.armenianow.com/society/47862/armenia_public_transport_fare_protests|access-date=22 July 2013|date=21 July 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723215037/http://armenianow.com/society/47862/armenia_public_transport_fare_protests|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Armenians Urged To Defy Higher Bus Fares|url=http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/25053773.html|access-date=23 July 2013|date=22 July 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} On 23 July 2013, protests continued throughout central Yerevan.{{cite news|title=Protesters Converge on Yerevan Municipality to Demand Reversal of Fare Hikes|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28314/protesters-converge-on-yerevan-municipality-to-demand-reversal-of-fare-hikes.html|access-date=23 July 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=23 July 2013}} Protests continued in Yerevan on 24 July, especially in Kentron district, some protesters tried to block the streets and clashed with policemen. Four activists were detained and later released.{{cite news|title=Police warn youth activists as bus fare hike protests continue in Yerevan|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/47956/armenia_protests_bus_fare_police_warning|access-date=24 July 2013|date=24 July 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=27 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727034407/http://armenianow.com/news/47956/armenia_protests_bus_fare_police_warning|url-status=dead}} As young activists walked urging people to pay the old fares, ordinary people joined them to show solidarity.{{cite news|title=Yerevan faces fifth day of "We will not Pay 150 Drams" movement|url=http://news.am/eng/news/163923.html|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=News.am|date=24 July 2013}} According to a survey of Aravot among bus drivers, more and more people who use public transportation refused to pay the new fares.{{cite news|script-title=hy:Ըստ վարորդների՝ օր օրի քչանում են 150 դրամ վճարող ուղևորները|url=http://www.aravot.am/2013/07/24/269720/|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=Aravot|date=24 July 2013|language=hy}}

Besides ordinary citizens performing acts of civil disobedience,{{cite news|title=Bus drivers go on strike in Yerevan|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/07/24/bus/|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=24 July 2013|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328215804/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/07/24/bus/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title="Transport" disobedience gathers pace in Yerevan|url=http://www.arminfo.info/index.cfm?objectid=8A38C8C0-F4A3-11E2-BBB60EB7C0D21663|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=ArmInfo|date=24 July 2013|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328203029/http://www.arminfo.info/index.cfm?objectid=8A38C8C0-F4A3-11E2-BBB60EB7C0D21663|url-status=dead}} several celebrities, comedians, actors, TV people, journalists joined the protests by offering free rides to people.{{cite news|title=Armenia's Biggest Celebrities Are Offering People Free Rides Around Yerevan|url=http://www.theatlanticcities.com/politics/2013/07/armenias-biggest-celebrities-are-offering-people-free-rides-around-yerevan/6298/|access-date=25 July 2013|newspaper=The Atlantic Cities|date=23 July 2013}}{{cite news|title=The hero of Kargin Serial project Hayko and Petros from "Kentron" TV station provide free service to the citizens|url=http://en.aravot.am/2013/07/22/155632/|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=Aravot|date=22 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328211908/http://en.aravot.am/2013/07/22/155632/|archive-date=28 March 2014|url-status=dead}} On 24 July, a video (see external link on the right) appeared on YouTube showing a number of Armenian celebrities and public figures, including comedian Hayko, Garik and Vache of Vitamin Club, actors Lala Mnatsakanyan, Segey Danielyan, TV commentator Petros Ghazaryan, show host Lusine Badalyan and others announcing solidarity with the protesters.{{cite news|script-title=hy:Հայ հայտնիները նկարահանվել են սոցիալական գովազդում՝ ընդդեմ տրանսպորտի թանկացման|url=http://www.tert.am/am/news/2013/07/25/150-dram/|access-date=25 July 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=25 July 2013|language=hy|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328213111/http://www.tert.am/am/news/2013/07/25/150-dram/|url-status=dead}}

On 25 July 2013, after days of mass protests, Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan issued a statement canceling the new fares.{{cite news|title=Yerevan Mayor Temporarily Suspends Fare Hikes, but Claims Increases are "Unavoidable"|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28372/yerevan-mayor-temporarily-suspends-fare-hikes-but-claims-increases-are-unavoidable.html|access-date=27 July 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=25 July 2013}} Thousands of Yerevan residents celebrated their "victory" until midnight.{{cite news|title=One for the Rebels: Transport fare increase suspended in wake of unified public reaction|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/48076/taron_margaryan_yerevan_transport_fares_facebook_activism|access-date=27 July 2013|date=26 July 2013|agency=ArmenianNow|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729162905/http://armenianow.com/news/48076/taron_margaryan_yerevan_transport_fares_facebook_activism|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Civil activists celebrating victory, remain wary of further snags as mayor suspends decision on bus fare hike|url=http://www.armenianow.com/society/48050/armenia_transport_fare_rise_protest_movement_victory|access-date=27 July 2013|date=26 July 2013|agency=ArmeniaNow|archive-date=6 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806212236/http://armenianow.com/society/48050/armenia_transport_fare_rise_protest_movement_victory|url-status=dead}} On 26 July smaller protests continued near the City Hall.{{cite news|title=Protesters Continue in Yerevan; Sit-In at City Hall|url=http://asbarez.com/112018/protestors-continue-in-yerevan-sit-in-at-city-hall/|access-date=27 July 2013|newspaper=Asbarez|date=26 July 2013}} They demanded resignation of the Yerevan Transportation Department Head Henrik Navasardyan.{{cite news|title=Protestors Demand Resignation of Transportation Department Head|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/28390/protestors-demand-resignation-of-transportation-department-head.html|access-date=27 July 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=26 July 2013}}

On 3 September 2013, during his visit to Moscow Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated that Armenia will join the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, despite the fact that it was expected that Armenia was going to sign the European Union Association Agreement.{{cite news|title=Armenia says will join Russia-led customs union|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-russia-customsunion-idUSBRE9820U520130903|access-date=4 September 2013|date=3 September 2013|work=Reuters}}{{cite web|title=The EU meets Eastern Partnership foreign ministers ahead of November summit|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2013/170513_eastern_partnership_en.htm|publisher=European External Action Service|access-date=25 June 2013|quote=In Vilnius the EU is hoping to see the signature of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, provided the benchmarks set in December 2012 are met. The EU also wants to see the finalisation of negotiations on Association Agreements, including Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, with Moldova, Georgia and Armenia which could lead to the initialling of the Association Agreements by Vilnius.}} On 4 September, a number of protesters gathered in front of the Presidential Palace on Baghramyan Avenue. Some demonstrators were detained.{{cite news|title=Protest action against decision to join Customs Union near presidential residence|url=http://news.am/eng/news/169652.html|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=News.am|date=4 September 2013}}

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. Minor clashes took place between the protesters with policemen, who blocked the Baghramyan Avenue near the Presidential Palace.{{cite web|title=Protest march toward Armenian Presidential Residence kicks off|url=http://news.am/eng/news/172430.html|publisher=news.am|access-date=22 September 2013|date=21 September 2013}} The rally began in Freedom Square and was not organized by any political party.{{cite news|title=Thousands in Yerevan March on Presidential Palace to "Reclaim" Armenia's Independence|url=http://hetq.am/eng/news/29522/thousands-in-yerevan-march-on-presidential-palace-to-reclaim-armenias-independence.html|access-date=22 September 2013|newspaper=Hetq|date=21 September 2013}}

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?"{{cite news|title='We should not forget lessons of different times' – Paruyr Hayrikyan|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/11/29/harikyan/|access-date=1 December 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=29 November 2013|archive-date=30 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130144014/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/11/29/harikyan/|url-status=dead}}

On 2 December, during Russia's President Vladimir Putin'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.{{cite news|title=Putin faces protests as he woos Armenia|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-russia-idUSBRE9B10FM20131202|access-date=2 December 2013|date=2 December 2013|work=Reuters}}{{cite news|title=Putin Arrives In Armenia Amid Protests Against Customs Union|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/putin-yerevan/25186637.html|access-date=2 December 2013|date=2 December 2013|agency=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}{{cite news|title=Arrests as anti-Putin protesters march in Armenia|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/02/arrests-as-anti-putin-protesters-march-in-armenia/|access-date=2 December 2013|date=2 December 2013|agency=Euronews|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020926/http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/02/arrests-as-anti-putin-protesters-march-in-armenia/|url-status=dead}}

On 23 December, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly building in Baghramyan Avenue. The ruling Republican party ratified the gas deal with Russia by which "Gazprom 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.{{cite news|title=Armenian Lawmakers Ratify Controversial Russian Gas Deal Amid Protests|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-russia-gas-deal/25209474.html|access-date=7 January 2014|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=23 December 2013}}{{cite news|title=Armenia Ratifies Russian Gas Deal Despite Protests|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/armenia-ratifies-russian-gas-deal-despite-protests/1815840.html|access-date=7 January 2014|newspaper=Voice of America|date=23 December 2013}}

On 31 October 2013 Shant Harutyunyan, a "flamboyant" opposition activist, began a sit-in in the Freedom Square openly calling for a revolution.{{cite news|title=Armenian activist says revolution the only way to achieve reforms|url=http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/10/31/shant-harutyunyan/|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=Tert.am|date=31 October 2013|archive-date=2 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102121600/http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/10/31/shant-harutyunyan/|url-status=dead}}

On 5 November 2013 (the Gunpowder Plot day), Shant Harutyunyan addressed tens of his supporters (many wearing Guy Fawkes masks) 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, 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."{{cite news|title=Failed 'Revolution Bid': November 5 melee in Yerevan revives memories of 2008 unrest|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/49806/armenia_protest_arrest_shant_harutyunyan|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=6 November 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110074137/http://armenianow.com/news/49806/armenia_protest_arrest_shant_harutyunyan|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Movsisian|first=Hovannes|title=Dozens Detained In Yerevan After 'Revolution' Bid|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/25159110.html|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=Armenian Service of Radio Liberty|date=5 November 2013}} Around twenty people were detained.{{cite news|title=Police stop opposition march in Armenia, arrest 20|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-armenia-clashes-20131105,0,5514259.story|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=5 November 2013}}

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 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."{{cite news|title=Reaction to Tuesday Violence: Condemnation from RPA; opposition says sign of desperation|url=http://www.armenianow.com/news/49834/republican_party_armenia_violence_response|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=ArmeniaNow|date=6 November 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110045447/http://armenianow.com/news/49834/republican_party_armenia_violence_response|url-status=dead}}

• Mashtots Park Movement (2012)
• 2011 Armenian protests
• 2008 Armenian presidential election protests
• List of protests in the 21st century

{{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2013 Armenian Protests}}

Protests

Category:Human rights abuses in Armenia

Category:Protests in Armenia

Armenian

Category:Armenian democracy movements

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Category:Labor disputes in Armenia

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