In Armenia, activists announce their twenty-four-hour watch near Afrikyan's Clubhouse

Members of the initiative group "Save Afrikyan's Clubhouse", who spoke against the demolition of the house No. 11 in Teryan Street, have announced they organize twenty-four-hour watch near the building. About 1500 persons joined the page "SOS! Save Afrikyan's Clubhouse" in Facebook.

Experts state that the Afrikyan's Clubhouse is not only of architectural but also of artistic value. According to Karo Aivazyan, the head of the Yerevan Territorial Department of the agency for preservation of monuments of history and culture of the Armenian Ministry of Culture, in 2004, the building was included in the state list of architectural monuments.

The head of Department has stated that the main reason for the demolition of the building is the decision of the government. According to the official, specialists of the transport sector insist on expanding Teryan Street.

Karo Aivazyan has also stated that in general, the Armenian Ministry of Culture stands against the transfer of monuments. The official has also added that at present, the Armenian Ministry of Culture holds negotiations with the city administration and developers to reduce the list of monuments to be demolished.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in the morning of June 17, team of workers started to dismantle the facade of the Afrikyan's Clubhouse. Activists of the initiative group tried to stop the work of the builders.

See earlier reports: "In Armenia, march "Not to be destroyed" held", "Yerevan hosts protest action against dismantling of market building", "Defenders of Yerevan park are tried in Armenia".