The Armenia Police Department says it has received information that certain “extremist” groups might attempt to incite clashes with police officers on May 1, the day the parliament is scheduled to elect a new prime minister.

Nikol Pashinyan has called for a huge anti-government rally in Yerevan on that day to voice the people’s opposition to nominate any other candidate than himself. Pashinyan says the people of Armenia selected him as his candidate at a recent rally in Yerevan.

The police have called on rally organizers to closely monitor the event, and to especially watch out for those instigating hate and violence.

The police say that any attempts to circumvent police barricades or to enter government buildings will be seen as a provocation and dealt with accordingly.

Photo: Armenia Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan