If Alen Simonian's Brother Participated in Any Competition, There is Definitely a Corruption Risk: Aghazaryan

“Of course, I see a corruption risk, but here the work of journalists is very important, to dig, to investigate, and see whether those potential corruption risks have been realized or not,” said Hovik Aghazaryan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract faction, in an interview with 24news.am, referring to the active participation and victories of the companies led by Alen Simonian's brother, Karren Simonian, in state procurement competitions.

When asked if he believes that the Speaker of the National Assembly could be involved in corruption risks, Aghazaryan responded: “We are all in corruption risks.” He attempted to explain the very essence of corruption risk.

“This means that if Alen Simonian's brother has participated in some competition, there is definitely a corruption risk there, because Alen Simonian's brother is the Speaker of the National Assembly. But what does it mean that if there is a corruption risk, then should the function not be carried out? It should be carried out, and then let the relevant bodies and also journalists study and see whether the fears regarding the corruption risk in this case have been justified or not, or fortunately, if everything went fine,” he said.

Aghazaryan also stated that the potential presence of corruption risk should not hinder anyone from engaging in economic activities.

“If we have to take the expression 'corruption risk' as foundational, it means that the brothers and relatives of officials should not have any private business. In other words, since there is a corruption risk, then the close circle, down to the boy of the mother-in-law's brother, should not participate in these or those economic activities. This is an unacceptable approach,” emphasized the Civil Contract faction member.