In Yerevan, activists call on President Serzh Sargsyan to retire

On April 5, the Armenian capital hosted a protest action, during which activists were symbolically raising funds for the Serzh Sargsyan's retirement. The police forbade the participants of the action to approach the president's residence.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by organizers of the action, including Levon Barsegyan, the head of the Gyumri journalists' club "Asparez", and David Sanasaryan and Armen Grigoryan, members of the "Front For the State of Armenia", among other reasons, the action was provoked by the Serzh Sargsyan's speech delivered at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia on March 28. When scientists noted they needed funding, the President replied: "Do you want money? I want it too. Everyone wants money."

Activists installed a president's model with an outstretched hand and the inscription reading: "Help Serzh to get retired". On the ground, they put a jar for passers-by to throw in coins. According to the organizers, the raised money will be transferred to the President.

The protesters also distributed to passers-by leaflets with the inscription "Say No to Serzh".

"Serzh Sargsyan himself has stated that the same person should not lead the country for the third time in a row. We respect him and want to help him," David Sanasaryan stated.

The organizers have also added that they would "seek a way to transfer the raised donations to the President."