Book on Operation Nemesis presented at Armenian Genocide Museum

PanARMENIAN.Net - On May 22, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute hosted the presentation of the Armenian edition of Austrian journalist and human rights advocate Birgit Kofler-Bettschart’s book, “I Have Killed, But I Am Not a Murderer.”

The book delves into the details of Operation Nemesis, a covert campaign in the 1920s aimed at punishing the organizers of the Armenian Genocide, and explores the fates of the Armenian avengers involved.

Kofler-Bettschart emphasized her intent to inform German-speaking audiences, particularly in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, about the true history of the Armenian people's tragedy to prevent the recurrence of such crimes.

She explained that the book outlines the origins of Operation Nemesis, its initial stages, media coverage at the time, and global events during that period. Her research was grounded in press publications, biographies of those involved in the operation, and academic studies. As a journalist rather than a scholar, she approached the subject with a journalistic perspective.

The author noted that the book is written in accessible language to reach a broad audience. She hopes the topic will spark widespread public discussion and garner greater attention not only within Armenian circles but also internationally.

Initially intended for German-speaking countries, the book revealed to Kofler-Bettschart the limited awareness among residents of these nations regarding the Armenian Genocide. Many possess incomplete information. The museum's motto, "Never Again," resonates with her goal of illustrating the consequences when monumental crimes like genocide go unpunished. The story of Operation Nemesis raises moral questions about the disparity in how individual and mass killings are perceived. She expressed hope that the book's publication contributes to the realization of the "Never Again" principle and ensures Armenia is not left isolated.

Editha Gzoyan, director of the Museum-Institute, highlighted the unprecedented attendance at the event. She recalled the international significance of Soghomon Tehlirian's trial and its influence on the development of the term "genocide." Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term, was inspired by Tehlirian's trial during his student years, leading him to advocate for the Genocide Convention, which aims to punish and prevent such crimes. Despite the convention's establishment over 70 years ago, its functions remain ineffective, as evidenced by recent events in Artsakh.

Gohar Khanumyan, the museum's chief curator, stated that this book is the first comprehensive Armenian-language work dedicated to Operation Nemesis. Kofler-Bettschart is the second foreign journalist to address this topic. The book, written in straightforward language, presents aspects of Armenian history that have been targeted, distorted, and used against Armenians, notably by Azerbaijan, which actively engages in state-level historical falsification, including the manipulation of Operation Nemesis. Khanumyan stressed the importance of effectively utilizing resources, including foreign researchers, to convey historical truths through their narratives.

Armen Gevorgyan, grandson of Artashes Gevorgyan, recounted his grandfather's involvement in the assassination of Jemal Pasha, emphasizing its moral significance. He described it as justice, the restoration of national dignity, and the inevitability of punishment. On April 25, a monument dedicated to Operation Nemesis was unveiled in Yerevan, symbolizing the continuity from April 24. In 2008, Hasan Cemal, grandson of one of the genocide's orchestrators, visited Yerevan. Armen Gevorgyan shared with him the story of his grandfather's role in Jemal Pasha's assassination, including the poignant reminder, "Remember Deir ez-Zor," echoing a vow of retribution made by an Armenian woman in the desert. Hasan Cemal was reportedly moved to silence by this account.

Hayk Martirosyan, a senior researcher at the museum, noted that despite not being Armenian, Kofler-Bettschart managed to present this sensitive topic with honesty and balance. The original German version of the book was published in March of the previous year, followed by numerous presentations and discussions. Martirosyan expressed a desire for the book to be translated into additional languages, highlighting Operation Nemesis as a vivid example of how a determined group, despite limited resources, achieved their objectives through persistence, willpower, courage, and focus.