Epress.am News from Armenia
Attempts by State Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA) Rector Ara Avetisyan to subvert the Feb. 20 demonstration against the new mandatory pension system organized by the "Dem Em" ("I am against") initiative on university property failed, and the demonstration took place, reports local news provider News.am (AM).
The night before, the rectorate, the trade union organization, and student council issued a joint statement calling on the Dem Em initiative to refrain from the idea of organizing mass meetings and rallies on SEUA property and not to disturb the learning process.
Today, before the demonstration began, Rector Ara Avetisyan approached youth standing in groups on the yard, asking them about their class, who is the lecturer, and urging them to go to the classrooms.
When members of the Dem Em initiative came onto university property, the rector approached them, urging them not to hold the rally, as it's "a careless attitude toward the students."
Though organizers planned to start at 12:30, in order not to disrupt classes, the rector warned that there's currently a class at the nearby college and expressed hope organizers would be conscientious and complete their demonstration at 12:45 pm so that students can return to their classes.
"You are the future of this country, you yourselves should create such a country in which tomorrow you and your children can live in dignity," said Dem Em initiative member Tigran Grigoryan.
Students and lecturers gathered in the university yard supported the speeches with applause and shouting, "I am against!"
Organizers ended the rally at 12:45 pm sharp and the students returned to their studies.
Click here to read this article in full (in Armenian).