Tensions Rise at Abovyan N1 High School

Tensions are escalating at the Abovyan N1 High School in the Kotayk region, where the principal has dismissed teachers and other staff members. This was announced during a Facebook live stream by history teacher Hayk Paytyan.

“I am appealing to the Human Rights Defender of Armenia and the Ministry of Education and Science. Right now, there is a disgraceful violation occurring at the school,” he stated.

One of the dismissed teachers reported that the school’s janitor, who has a sick husband at home, has been laid off and is now in a difficult situation. They have received their dismissal notices from a new janitor and plan to urgently appeal to the court.

Paytyan emphasized that there is currently no court ruling declaring their strike illegal, stating that they are striking lawfully and cannot be dismissed.

It should be noted that the students and teachers of Abovyan N1 High School have been on strike since February 3, protesting against the appointment of the new principal, Karmile Arakelyan. According to the staff, the newly appointed principal is closely connected to Romanos Petrosyan, the former governor of Kotayk and the Minister of Environment, suggesting that his appointment was facilitated by Petrosyan’s influence. Romanos Petrosyan has denied any ties to the newly appointed principal.

The school staff and students wish to see the former principal, Metakstya Babayan, reinstated. However, Karmile Arakelyan has stated that she does not intend to resign from her position.