My Body Is Only My Body: Yerevan State University Lecturer Sends Open Letter to Health Minister

Yerevan State University lecturer Julia Antonian has sent an open letter to Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan.

“Dear Ms. Avanesyan,

Allow me to once again explain why your actions and orders are unconstitutional.

1. My body is only my body. Any attempts to interfere with my body without my permission and desire are considered violence, regardless of the purpose. The exception may be when my life is under immediate mortal danger and I am unconscious. COVID does not qualify as this case.

2. My personal income is only my personal income, and I alone decide how to spend it. I pay all taxes and fees, and I believe the remaining income should be at my personal disposal. You demand that I spend 1/6 of my salary on tests. No one has granted you the right to dictate this. That money belongs to me and my children, two of whom are minors.

3. You are subjecting me to blackmail, endangering my right to work by your orders. Blackmail is a criminal offense. A person should not be forced to make choices under threat and illegal pressure.

Therefore, I demand that your order, which contradicts our constitutional rights, be revoked.

I can also kindly explain to you why I do not wish to be vaccinated.

1. I do not trust the vaccine, and current data shows that they are only partially effective. By getting vaccinated, I will still remain a potential carrier, which undermines the rationale behind such actions, even from altruistic motives, especially among unvaccinated students.

2. I have already contracted COVID and have recovered easily. Thus, I do not fear reinfection. Meanwhile, I do not know how my body will react to the vaccine. If I experience any complications now or years down the line, neither you nor anyone else will be held accountable or provide compensation.

Finally, those at risk who are fearful of becoming ill are always free to be vaccinated. In a velvet, non-violent manner. State-sanctioned violence should only be used against criminals; I am not a criminal.

Sincerely,

Yerevan State University Lecturer Julia Antonian
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia