Ex-ombudsman: ruling party thrives on societal division

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan stated on Facebook that the current leadership feeds off division both within Armenia and the Diaspora.

He emphasized that the Armenian people must not be subjected to division or discrimination.

"Since representatives of the authorities not only fail to stop inciting hatred and intolerance against our compatriots from Artsakh, but also intensify the tension, this is a politically calculated and deliberate move — fully understanding that it divides society and sows interethnic hostility. This is not just about the forcibly displaced; it is a much broader fragmentation.

This proves once again that the ruling power of the Civil Contract Party is fueled by dividing people within Armenia and the Diaspora and by encouraging mutual hatred."

He added that such divisive tendencies are deliberately encouraged, and loyal supporters are patronized, as they serve as pillars of the current regime.

"There must be no divisions or discrimination among the Armenian people. Solidarity and mutual respect are among the most vital guarantees of our real progress," he concluded.

On February 11, 2025, during a hallway briefing in the National Assembly, Speaker Alen Simonyan accused people from Artsakh of fleeing rather than fighting, stating, “they should have stayed and fought.” On April 17, MP Khachatur Sukiasyan claimed only 10 people died during Azerbaijan’s military assault on Artsakh on September 19, 2023.