Some Circles Heavily Criticized the Stepanakert Rally: "Hraparak"

The "Hraparak" newspaper reports that the rally dedicated to the Triumvirate in Stepanakert's Renaissance Square has been heavily criticized by certain circles in Artsakh and Armenia. The event was essentially organized by Artsakh's former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who was removed from office at Azerbaijan's request and with the consent of the Armenian authorities.

According to Artsakh sources, 20,000 to 25,000 people participated in the rally. This comes despite the fact that Artsakh has been under blockade for 150 days, with gas and fuel issues reaching a critical point, and it has been impossible to bring people from the regions—mostly residents of Stepanakert attended the rally.

Current and former Presidents of Artsakh were also present, including Araik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan. The rally highlighted the confidence in Ruben Vardanyan, which has been heavy for those aspiring to complete power in Artsakh, such as State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan, Samvel Babayan—whose rallies gather a maximum of 50-100 people—and Nikol Pashinyan.

According to some reports, an order was even given from Yerevan to Artsakh Public Television not to broadcast the rally live. Armenian authorities are concerned that a center of resistance is forming around Ruben Vardanyan in Artsakh.