Unacceptable to Exploit the Names of Fallen Soldiers for Upcoming Event: Relatives of Fallen Soldiers Continue Protest

“How can something be said repeatedly and then an apology be offered? Do you consider this normal that after such a statement an apology is given?” said Tatev Virabyan, the sister of a fallen soldier, addressing Prime Minister Pashinyan’s remarks about a “colorful” event just moments ago in Republic Square. She expresses her anger that the names of the fallen boys are being exploited for the upcoming event. She says, “Let them do whatever they want, but do not mention the boys’ names.”

It is noteworthy that her initiative, the “Armenian Movement,” will hold a protest tomorrow starting from Aznavour Square. “We have boys who are unburied; their souls have found no rest in heaven, instead of thinking about them, you are organizing colorful events? There should be respect. What are they doing in the center of our country? Aside from losing my brother, I have lost my homeland, where I spent 20 years of my life, which has turned into nothing. My brother defended our city, but in fact, his holy duty has been rendered worthless. This government simply wants to defile the memories of all. They laugh at us, at the graves of those boys, mocking and disrespecting the memory of the unburied,” she stated.

“As a citizen, I consider it my duty to be present in the square today. I also call on my friends to speak out, as the heroes sacrificed the most for our homeland. Independence Day should have been observed quietly and modestly,” she concluded.