Opposition groups in Armenia's capital Yerevan have staged a protest outside the European Union’s local representation, urging European institutions to reconsider their stance toward the authorities in Armenia.

Demonstrators called on the EU to stop what they describe as a lenient approach to government actions against political opponents, independent media, and activists, The Caspian Post reports via Armenian media.

Anna Mkrtchyan, a member of the “I Have Honor” bloc, said that protesters plan to deliver a letter to the EU delegation demanding greater attention to what they call widespread pressure and repression targeting opposition forces and dissenting voices.

“We understand that European institutions are well aware of the situation. Their reports already mention issues such as a dependent judiciary, politically motivated cases, and human rights violations,” she said, adding that the main concern is the lack of a strong response and what she described as a tolerant attitude toward Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Other opposition figures echoed similar concerns. Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia Armen Ashotyan described protest symbols depicting chains as a representation of the country’s current situation, while Member of the Prosperous Armenia party Arman Abovyan said Europeans in cities like Paris and Brussels should be aware that Armenians oppose efforts that could undermine their identity.

Earlier, six opposition groups had also appealed to the European Union, calling on it not to ignore violations and warning that holding major international events in the country under current conditions could be seen as endorsing problematic trends.