I Won't Stay Here Long: Exclusive Interview with Arush Arushanyan from Prison

The campaign for the local self-government elections in the consolidated community of Goris, Syunik Province, is taking place under unusual circumstances. One of the candidates is the former mayor of Goris, Arush Arushanyan, who is currently imprisoned.

The incarcerated former mayor responded to questions from Sputnik Armenia regarding the local elections, the false information spreading about him, the course of the election campaign, and his wellbeing:

– How do you feel?
- I am well, with God's will. Everything is for a person.

– What do you do all day?
- I read books and workout. Fortunately, I also have a Bible in my cell; I rely on and continue to rely on God.

– How long do you think they will keep you imprisoned?
- I think not for long.

– What do you miss the most?
- During this time, I miss my large family the most—Goris. Most of the day, I am mentally in Goris with the people of Goris. I miss everyone and our simple, human interactions.

– The campaign is underway in Goris, but you are in prison. Why did you decide to participate in the elections?
- I made the decision immediately. We, the people of Goris, have dreamed of having a prosperous, flourishing, united Goris. Indeed, over the past four years, we have implemented numerous large-scale projects throughout the community, but there is still much to be done to turn our dream of Goris into reality.

– Mr. Arushanyan, your main competitor is the candidate put forward by the authorities, Vladimir Abunts. Members of the Civil Contract party are also in Goris these days trying to promote their candidate to the residents. It has been noted in the press that they are even attempting to shadow your name and your work. What do you have to say about this?
- The population of the Goris community knows me very well, as well as the individuals you mentioned. Regardless of the black PR, the public knows the reality; they know who is who.

All the work done in the community over the past years has been exclusively through my initiatives following discussions with the public of Goris. None of the individuals you mentioned have been present in those discussions; therefore, no one can claim ownership of or overshadow them.

– MP Armen Khachatryan continues to assert that you and the other mayors of Syunik were not on the front lines during the war. Do you have a counter-argument?
- Armen Khachatryan is lying. After the war began, within three days, I engaged in organizational work, giving assignments to responsible persons during my absence for the proper execution of community work, clarifying their duties and responsibilities. After that, on October 1, 2020, I went to Jraghati (Jabrayil) with many volunteer residents of Goris, joined the 1st Army Corps, and took on the defense of our homeland. I was in Goris for only 2 or 3 days during the entire war, which was due to the resolution of certain issues, after which I returned to the front line. If the person you mentioned had visited the front line even once and brought a bottle of water to his fellow countrymen, he would have certainly seen me there.

– What have you not been able to accomplish during your four years in the office of mayor? What issues require urgent resolution?
- We have worked day and night, without weekends, trying to place one more stone than promised, which we managed to do. However, there is much work to be done, and we must continue at the same pace. All the problems of the Goris community are a priority for me.

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