Despite the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement’s relatively passive actions last week, characterized by behind-the-scenes meetings with various segments of the public instead of street protests, the authorities continue to monitor and respond to the movement and its leader’s every action around the clock. Officially, however, the authorities are downplaying the movement’s significance, claiming they have no concerns.
It is evident that various representatives of the government, pro-government media, experts, and allied forces are echoing the same narrative, repeating identical arguments. This uniformity suggests that the anti-propaganda campaign against the “sacred movement” is being orchestrated from a central point.
Hraparak, citing a government source, reported that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is personally tracking Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan’s activities, spending hours in front of a computer or monitoring live broadcasts on his phone. He listens to the Archbishop’s meetings, statements, and press comments, subsequently issuing directives to his loyalists on how to respond to specific instances. Instructions include what the trolls should write on Facebook, how the Civil Contract (CC) members should counter the Archbishop, and measures to prevent the movement from gaining momentum. Recently, CC deputies have been advised to be more restrained in their interactions with journalists. This shift has become apparent as even the most cynical CC members are now attempting to engage amicably with the press, adopting a gentler and more friendly demeanor.
