Protest in US: Armenian Freemasons, Dashnaks, deserters against Pashinyan PHOTO

A demonstration in support of Catholicos Garegin II was held on February 15 in Burbank, California, at the Church of the Holy Ghevontiants, located next to the residence of the head of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Pro-government Armenian media claim that provocations and campaigns against the Armenian authorities are expected to continue in California, Caliber.Az reports.

Media outlets allege that, under the direct instructions of Ktrich Nersisyan (Garegin II), representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun) orchestrated a provocation targeting Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who had joined a campaign opposing the Catholicos.

The sources say the Dashnaks instigated a clash involving US-based Armenian Freemasons, who are reportedly not held in high regard among the American Armenian community. Observers noted that participants in the unrest included people of varying status, among them deserters, former military personnel, police officers, and members of other security services, some of whom have been accused of plundering Armenia.

Several figures from the entertainment industry – including singers, actors, and other artists – were also reportedly involved. According to sources, a significant number of those present had entered the United States illegally and face potential deportation.

Their ongoing legal cases in the US reportedly relate to claims against the Republic of Armenia, and organisers of the disturbances are alleged to have exploited these circumstances, suggesting that participating in anti-government actions could improve their prospects in court and support their residency applications.

By Aghakazim Guliyev