Haik Marutyan is Following Ostrich Politics and Fabricating Fake Criminal Cases, Says Sona Aghekian
The authorities are in a state of panic, hiding behind police squads, hiding under desks. This was stated by former council member Sona Aghekian during a conversation with reporters in front of the city hall, where she participated in a protest action under the slogan "Cleaning Up Political and Household Waste."
"Instead of performing their duties and work, they have sent our police here to hinder us through a wall of police. This speaks of our victory. We have gathered here today to show that the city authorities not only are not working, they have failed, deceived, and are also not engaging with the citizens.
Candidate for Mayor of Yerevan Haik Marutyan promised us that he would come and address urgent issues, including cleaning Yerevan from dirt and trash. We have recorded the fact that Yerevan is unprecedentedly filthy, and there is an unbearable stench in the city, which has caused health problems for people and they are continuously being transported to the infectious diseases hospital by ambulance.
After raising the issue, instead of having the courage to come down, look us in the eyes, and tell us what problems he has—perhaps we could help, maybe there's a lack of intelligence and willpower, or maybe the team is unprofessional—he has engaged in ostrich politics and fabricated fake criminal cases," Aghekian stated.
She noted that after the issue of trash, they also addressed the issues of elevators, complete lack of greenery, public transport, lack of infrastructure improvement, and construction, all of which is compounded by the mayor’s blatant inaction and contempt for the citizens of Yerevan.
"The mayor of Yerevan, regardless of the fact that he is currently named Haik Marutyan, may bear a different name tomorrow. We sent him questions via a video message, which he was afraid to answer because he had no answers. Later, we submitted inquiries about why waste collection and sanitation have failed in Yerevan. The mayor comes and complains in interviews that the former administrations created such conditions that he cannot work; then why doesn't he summon the former officials to the legal arena and why is there no court appeal? Secondly, we asked whether you have given a written warning to that 'noisy' spokesperson; please present that written warning, etc.," Aghekian added.
She also spoke about rewards, unanswered questions, and mentioned that since July 22, they were told that they would receive a response within five working days, and they have yet to receive an answer. Today, they demand that if the mayor has the political will and desire, then he or his authorized person should respond.