In early 2008, Armenia experienced significant political turmoil following the presidential elections that took place on February 19. The incumbent, Serzh Sargsyan, was declared the winner, but opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan and his supporters claimed that the elections were marred by widespread fraud. In response to these allegations, thousands of Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters convened for a rally in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, to protest the election results and demand a recount. The atmosphere was tense, as demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans criticizing the government and calling for justice.

As the gathering grew, the police were deployed to manage the crowds and keep order. Despite the initially peaceful nature of the protests, clashes broke out between the opposition supporters and law enforcement when police attempted to clear the demonstrators from the streets. The confrontations quickly escalated, leading to violence that resulted in ten fatalities and many injuries. This tragic outburst highlighted deep divisions within Armenian society regarding governance and electoral integrity, as it underscored growing discontent with the ruling party's legitimacy.

The aftermath saw significant repercussions for political activism in Armenia, with many opposition members facing arrests and the government imposing stricter controls on public demonstrations. The violence raised concerns about human rights and freedoms within the country, and regional stability became a focal point as international observers closely monitored the situation. The clash left a lasting mark on Armenia’s political discourse, reinforcing the need for electoral reforms and greater accountability in governance.