VIDEO: A Flag is Used as a Curtain at Shirak Customs, Citizen Reports

Karen Petrosyan, the acting director of the Gyumri branch of the Armenian State Economic University and a civil society representative, has posted videos on Facebook showing that, during a visit to the Northern customs, he observed the Armenian flag being used as a curtain, which angered him.

“This is the Shirak branch of the customs. Apparently, the Prime Minister's calls about the proper use of the flag have gone unheeded. Perhaps the Prime Minister should inform the head of state that a flag cannot be used for such purposes. And this is after there have been scandalous incidents. The head of this customs should also be punished, just like the previous ones. Because it's not just words; he passes by every day and does not see all this,” notes Karen Petrosyan.

The video shows a confrontation between the head of the Northern Customs Administration, Ruslan Grigoryan, and Karen Petrosyan. The customs chief states that he had seen the flag in that condition and had noted it, and mentioned that the area was rented. Petrosyan urges him to submit a written request. In response, Karen Petrosyan says, “Your age, knowledge, and experience do not correspond to having a job here. Why are you speaking disrespectfully to a citizen? You need to be taught how to communicate with citizens before you're entrusted with official positions. Now I will leave, and you have 10 minutes to resolve the flag issue.”

It is worth reminding that a similar incident occurred at the Ararat Customs during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit. In one of the offices, the Prime Minister found the Armenian flag dirty and placed in a corner, which angered him, leading to the dismissal of the office staff member.