Karapetyan Supporters Reportedly Transported People from Yerevan to Gavar and Presented Them as Locals

GAVAR — According to media reports, associates of Samvel Karapetyan opened a party office in Gavar on March 29. Narek Karapetyan, Karapetyan’s nephew, was also reportedly present at the opening ceremony.

It is reported that, in order to ensure a large crowd for the event, five buses traveled from Yerevan, and those arriving from the capital were presented as residents of Gavar.

As during previous visits to Abovyan and other communities, “Tashir” is said to bring along a “permanent group” of around 300 people to follow Narek Karapetyan and create the impression of mass public support.

According to some reports, each participant is allegedly paid 10,000–20,000 drams per day, depending on how many hours they are involved.

Residents of Gavar reportedly said that around 90% of this standing group consists of middle-aged and older men whom they do not recognize as local residents.