Serzh Sargsyan Illegally Awarded Margarita Simonyan a Medal: Daniel Ioannisyan

The founder and program coordinator of the 'Informed Citizens' Union' NGO and member of the Public Council, Daniel Ioannisyan, wrote on his Facebook page: 'Serzh Sargsyan illegally awarded Margarita Simonyan the "Moses Khorenatsi" medal.

According to Article 23 of the Law on 'State Awards and Honorary Titles,' the "Moses Khorenatsi" medal is awarded to figures in the fields of culture, art, science, education, sports, and religious leaders. Margarita Simonyan is a propagandist who considers herself a journalist. However, neither a journalist nor, even more so, a propagandist can be regarded as figures in culture, art, science, education, sports, or religion.

Unfortunately, the law does not currently provide any mechanism for revoking the medal or honorary title, even if the award was given unlawfully. This legal gap should be addressed, but for now, we must note that Margarita Simonyan will retain the "Moses Khorenatsi" medal that she unlawfully received from Serzh Sargsyan.

P.S. Unfortunately, it is also impossible to hold Serzh Sargsyan criminally accountable for illegally awarding the medal.'