Human Rights Defender Demands Clarifications from the Ministry and Police Regarding Abovyan School No. 1

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has initiated a discussion regarding the situation at the Khachatur Abovian School No. 1 in the city of Abovyan, Kotayk Province. This pertains to the process of selecting a new principal and its impact on educational rights.

According to a statement from the Human Rights Defender's office, between February 3 and 5, 2021, monitoring of mass media and social networks revealed that the teachers of Khachatur Abovian School No. 1 announced a strike, while students declared a class boycott. The monitoring results indicate claims concerning the illegitimate or unjust selection of the principal.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the normal course of classes at the school has been disrupted. Additionally, instances of the principal arriving at school accompanied by police have also been observed. Therefore, considering the presented information, the Human Rights Defender has decided to initiate proceedings and sought clarifications from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and the Police.