Yerevan, Armenia club Poligraf reopens one week on from violent police raid

Poligraf, a club in the Armenian capital of Yerevan, has reopened its doors one week after being violently raided by police.

The venue's team announced the reopening on social media this weekend, on Saturday, 29th April, following a forced closure and an "illegal" and "brutal" police raid the weekend prior, on 24th April. "The recent closure of our institution by the RA police force was a blatant injustice, a grave affront to the freedom of expression and creativity that we stand for", they wrote on Instagram.

The reopening Saturday event was its regular Princess Diaries queer party, hosting the likes of Arni Rock, Lychee, Doubledav, haramik, EMPRESS and more. It was preceded by a protest rave in the city in support of Poligraf and the club community. 

Poligraf expressed thanks and appreciation for those who supported the venue and community in the wake of the raid with its Defend Dance campaign and petition. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the global club community and all those who showed their support during our time of struggle", they wrote. "It was your unwavering solidarity that ultimately led to this triumphant moment."

Poligraf also shared a message of intent and urges for progress: "However, let us be clear — this is just the beginning of our fight. We will not rest until those who committed the egregious acts of the past are held accountable for their actions. The youth of Armenia deserve better, and we stand firm in our commitment to upholding their rights and liberties. To the authorities, we implore you to listen to the voices of the people, to respect the creative and cultural institutions of our nation, and to work towards creating a society that truly values the power of art and human connection."

Today, the club announced a Defend Dance event this Saturday, 6th May, that's a collaboration with "the entire Armenian club community and DJs to showcase the power of our collective spirit". The party is "free and open to all who stand with us in solidarity against oppression and injustice". The line-up features enso, DSCTQ and Is, as well as live performances from HOV and sardaryans. 

Poligraf's head of communications Harmik Mackertoomian told Resident Advisor the club's issues with police are "political and personal" and started when a person who was not allowed to enter the club called in a false bomb threat. Mackertoomian alleges the same individual has continued to share misinformation about the club, with the cause for the April raid being related to drugs. 

Support Poligraf's Defend Dance petition here.