**Clashes in Yerevan as supporters of jailed Armenian critic demand his release** Tensions in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, heightened recently as supporters of jailed billionaire and government critic, Samvel Karapetyan, clashed with police outside a court. The businessman, who also holds Russian citizenship, has been in pre-trial detention since last June on charges of inciting a coup and money laundering. The case is widely seen as a politically motivated move by the government against Karapetyan, who had publicly criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Their disagreement stems from the prime minister's crackdown on the clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which has been ongoing since 2020. The prime minister's decision to cede land to neighboring Azerbaijan sparked mass protests, with many accusing him of betraying Armenia's interests. The situation has led to a series of arrests, including that of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, who was sentenced to two years in prison for inciting a coup. Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri and a vocal critic of Pashinyan's pro-Western foreign policy shift, was also placed in pre-trial detention on bribery charges. Critics of the prime minister accuse him of using law enforcement to suppress dissent and consolidate power, amid declining popularity. This has caught the attention of Moscow, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that while the situation in Armenia is an "internal matter," Russia is closely following the developments. For Nigerians, this situation may evoke memories of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where young Nigerians demanded an end to police brutality and the resignation of the government. Like Armenia, Nigeria is a country with a complex history of government and opposition, and the use of law enforcement to silence critics is a theme that resonates across different cultures. In both countries, the use of power to silence dissent can have far-reaching consequences, including damage to the economy, social unrest, and a loss of trust in institutions. As Armenia navigates its current challenges, it is essential for the government to engage in constructive dialogue with critics, rather than using force to silence them. This is a lesson that Nigeria can also learn from, as we strive to build a more just and equitable society for all.