Aram Manukyan: Films can be shot about the family of Syunik Governor (video)
Speaking at the National Assembly today, Elinar Vardanyan, a co-author of the Ombudsman’s annual report, expressed alarm at the increasing rate of human rights violations in Armenia. “I get the impression that ministries and departments acknowledge that there are problems inside the agencies but they do not intend to take any measures to solve them.” Aram Manukyan, Secretary of the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK), said in his speech that Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan is supposed to be number one oppositionist and not the supporter and defender. “But I did not feel it in your report. Armenia is a deplorable state of neglect, the real reason for the escalating emigration is the lack of legal protection. Sixty thousand people have left the country this year. People do not feel protected in Armenia,” Mr Manukyan said. Speaking about the Ombudsman’s statement that ‘they are looking for protection at the National Assembly,’ the opposition lawmaker said, “You are looking for protection in the wrong place, as human rights are roughly violated here. Your report does not reflect the reality. You say that the eyes of Themis, the Greek Goddess of justice, are closed. Can’t she see who violates human rights – the authorities or the opposition? When speaking about violations you do not mention any names. One can shoot films about the family of [Syunik governor] Surik Khachatryan and cite incidents connected with his family in textbooks. Also, a thriller can be shot about Ruben Hayrapetyan, an affluent businessman and President of Armenia's Football Federation.You call on us to open the eyes of Themis but I tell you here and now that her eyes are wide open.” Aram Manukyan stressed that the chain of political crimes and violence is endless. “Mr Andreasyan, you should seek protection in international conventions, not in the National Assembly. Be a little daring and confident and protect human rights. Your function is to be criticized and lapidated by the authorities. If you are sacked, you will leave as a man with a good reputation and dignity. Don’t you know that many issues in Armenia are solved by the criminal world? You should torpedo to achieve the desired results otherwise you will be unable to solve the existing problems in a polite and courteous way.”
