African-Americans, Mexicans join Armenians in Karabakh protests

PanARMENIAN.Net - Crowds of Armenian demonstrators in California continue their rallies in light of the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh to spread awareness about the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression and military crimes against Armenia and Artsakh.

Protests were held in Los Angeles and Glendale where the Armenian Diaspora is especially large. One of the protesters, Vahagn Avoyan, told PanARMENIAN.Net that the demonstrations are becoming bigger with the involvement of the Americans, as well as the Mexican and African American communities.

“A thousands-strong demonstration took place on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, where we were joined by a number of African Americans, Mexicans and Americans, who expressed solidarity upon learning about our cause,” says Avoyan.

According to him, the African American community is especially active in joining forces with Armenians as a token of gratitude for the latter’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Everyone comes to the demonstrations, some even bring their children. Our gatherings are peaceful, even Los Angeles police officers are surprised. They aren’t used to such peaceful and positive protests,” says another Armenian demonstrator. Avoyan also noted that the protests will be continuous, with the residents of Los Angeles and Glendale having agreed to gather every day to draw public attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Azerbajiani-Turkish aggression. Besides the demonstrations, the Armenian-American communities also provide financial and material support, sending medications, money and other necessities to Armenia.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey, launched a large-scale offensive against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27, shelling Armenian positions and civilian settlements with large caliber weapons and rocket systems. Armenia and Karabakh have introduced martial law and total mobilization. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. International and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support Karabakh amid Azerbaijan's aggression.