Conflict at Yerevan State University turns into criminal case

At night on March 4, student activists captured the video blogger Narek Malyan, their opponent in the conflict over the resignation of the rector of the Yerevan State University (YSU) and try to throw him into a garbage bin. They explained their actions by the "revolution logic," but they were condemned by the country's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. A criminal case on hooliganism was opened.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 29, 2018, students called for a strike and resignation of the Rector Aram Simonyan. The protesters claimed problems at the university, including the low quality of education, absence of academic freedom and misuse of resources. The strike ended on May 30, after the hospitalization of the rector was reported. On February 14, 2019, students held another protest action.

On March 3, Narek Malyan posted a video message on the Facebook stating that he had been attacked in the doorway of his house.

"The 'Restart' group, which is funded by the Soros Foundation and has close ties with the authorities, has claimed responsibility for the attack," Mr Malyan said in his video message, linking the attack with his position and the conflict at the YSU.

In his turn, David Petrosyan, the leader of the 'Restart Times' students' movement, has stated that their actions match the 'revolution logic,' because there are people who are not ready for change.

The activists' actions were condemned by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. "Any attempt in Armenia to solve problems through the use of violence should face legitimate opposition," he wrote in his Facebook.