Javakhk Diaspora of Russia (JDR) issued a statement on the dismantling of the monument to General Andranik in Sochi, Russia, condemning behavior of Sochi authorities and leaders of regional public organizations, which are privy to the barbarous demolition of the monument to legendary General Andranik Ozanyan.

“We urge Armenian public and other organizations, as well as Russian and Armenian authorities to form a commission to fairly investigate this offensive incident and make liable those who participated in it,” the statement reads.

On May 27, the monument to Andranik Ozanyan in Sochi was demounted at the demand of local authorities. Armenian organizations of Russia, specifically the Union of Armenians of Russia (UAR) have not taken measures to prevent the monument demolition. The authorities explained their decision by the fact that the monument’s unveiling could lead to Turkey’s refusal to participate in the Olympic facilities construction. The author of the monument is People’s Artist of Armenia, sculptor Marat Minasyan.

General Andranik Ozanyan is Armenia’s national hero. He is one of the leaders of the Armenian national liberation movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is also a national hero of Bulgaria. He was one of organizers of Sasun and Zangezur defense.

On August 31, 1927, legendary General Andranik Ozanyan passed away in Fresno, California. His body was transported to France, and buried in the French Pere Lachaise cemetery. In 200, the government of the second independent Armenian Republic decided to relocate General Andranik’s remains to Armenia, where he received an honorable military reburial at Yerablur Pantheon.