I believe Mr. Tatoyan is exaggerating: Mane Gevorgyan on the broadcast of a violent video from the screen

A screen was installed in Republic Square for the Prime Minister's address, but a video encouraging violence was also broadcast. In this regard, the Prime Minister's spokesman Mane Gevorgyan mentioned in a conversation with Pashtinfo, "According to my information, there were no insults; they were muted with a sound signal. I believe Mr. Tatoyan is exaggerating something—there is a reality. I am aware that complaints have arisen within our society, and considering this fact, I asked today for the screen to be dismantled."

Gevorgyan also confirmed that the screen was set up for the Prime Minister's speech, which was also broadcast yesterday. She stated, "In any case, considering that there is quite expensive equipment placed there, we have made a decision that it should be dismantled to avoid damage." Regarding who authorized the broadcast of the video, she stated that there is absolutely no issue of permission. "In any case, the problem has been solved; the screens are being dismantled, and that’s it." Gevorgyan did not mention who is responsible for the content.

According to the website, the broadcast of a video containing threats of murder and encouraging violence took place on November 12 in Republic Square with the knowledge of the government, if not at its instruction. However, the Prime Minister's spokeswoman disagrees that the video promotes violence and insults.

Last night, a video was broadcast on a large screen installed in Yerevan's Republic Square, which provoked a strong backlash from the public. In this regard, human rights defender Arman Tatoyan issued a statement, stating, "How can a video that contains threats of murder and encourages violence with insulting expressions be displayed so broadly in Republic Square during these responsible times? How can such a video be shown knowing that it will also be viewed by children and women? It is clear that this was done under the illegal decision or permission of some body or official of public power, which effectively incites internal hostility."

Pashtinfo has contacted the Yerevan City Hall to clarify under whose permission and for what purpose the screen was installed in Republic Square and who approved the broadcast of the video. "The screens were removed on the 10th, then one was reinstalled for the Prime Minister's address, but regarding the content, it seems to me that there has been some technical issue," said Yerevan City Hall's Information and Public Relations Department head, Yosif Kubatyan. He confirmed that the screens were reinstalled by the government’s decision, but he struggled to specify who could be responsible for the content.