A group of organizations strongly condemn the behavior of the National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan and call on all members of the National Assembly to take action to eradicate the irresponsible and cynical behavior of public officials that goes against the principles of a just and lawful society. The Statement said:

“RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has taken a clear stance that violence has no place in our society. However, it appears that the members of the “Civil Contract” faction, who hold high-ranking positions in the government, are continuing to exhibit the same unacceptable behavior as the former pre-revolutionary regime.

According to recent reports from the press, an incident occurred on April 2, 2023, in which RA NA Speaker Alen Simonyan and citizen Karen Mkrtchyan were involved. When Mkrtchyan spotted Simonyan in a public place, he called him a “traitor”. Simonyan then instructed his security to arrest Mkrtchyan, and proceeded to humiliate him by cursing and spitting in his face. Simonyan later released a statement in which he not only failed to show any remorse but also tried to justify his actions.

Regrettably, the head of the RA parliament is setting a negative example by promoting the same shameful traditions of the former regime, and by condoning anti-social behavior.

We strongly condemn the behavior of the National Assembly Speaker, and call on all members of the National Assembly, especially those in the political majority, to take action to eradicate the irresponsible and cynical behavior of public officials that goes against the principles of a just and lawful society.

We urge the majority of the RA National Assembly to immediately establish an ethics commission to investigate the incident, and to consider holding the Speaker of the National Assembly accountable.

Furthermore, law enforcement agencies should investigate the incident as a case of hooliganism.

We must put an end to the practice of using violent methods to solve issues in Armenia and establish strict penalties for those who respond to criticism with violent behavior.

Every member of the RA National Assembly must prove themselves worthy of their position through their daily actions, behavior, and words”.

Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center

Freedom of Information Center

Human Rights Research Center

Protection of rights without borders NGO

Women’s Resource Center

Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO

“For Equal Rights” Educational Center NGO

Ecolur NGO

Human Rights Power NGO

“Pink” NGO

Public Journalism Club

Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression

Law Development and Protection Foundation