Normal life in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, ground to halt after thousands of supporters of protest leader Nikol Pashinian joined mass protests and a general strike on May 2. Pashinian had called for a day of nonviolent, civil disobedience after the Armenian parliament rejected his bid to become interim prime minister. (Photos by RFE/RL's Giorgi Gogua)
General Strike Paralyzes Armenian Capital
Protesters gathered in Yerevan's Republic Square on May 2 after opposition leader Nikol Pashinian called for "nonviolent, peaceful acts of civil disobedience."
Protesters used cars to block roads throughout the Armenian capital.
With their strollers and young children, a group of mothers joined protesters on the streets of Yerevan.
Young supporters of protest leader Nikol Pashinian march with the Armenian flag.
The name of Armenia's ruling Republican Party (HHK) crossed out on the hood of a protester's car in Yerevan. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian said the HHK's parliamentary faction had "destroyed itself irreversibly" and announced "war against its own people" by refusing to support his candidacy for prime minister.
Many streets in the Armenian capital were mostly empty on May 2 as protesters used benches and cars to block traffic.
Some Yerevan residents hung Armenian flags from their windows in a show of support for protesters.
Supporters of opposition leader Nikol Pashinian played instruments and danced in the streets of the capital.
Protesters hold a barbecue on Yerevan's Shashlik Street. The general strike often took on a festive atmosphere.
Protesters blockade roads outside Yerevan's main railway station.
Train stations in Yerevan and across the country fell silent on May 2 after railway workers went on strike.
Several shops in Yerevan locked their doors during the May 2 general strike.
Both young and old joined the demonstrations.