‘We Made Enemies of Those Who Had Strayed Into Enemy-Controlled Territory With Our Own Hands,’ Vilen Gabrielyan

Vilen Gabrielyan, a member of the Civil Contract faction, wrote on his Facebook page: “I have come to say something regarding the continuing uncontrollable spread of absurdities and misinformation on the internet and our unseriousness. Yesterday, in connection with an incident, I heard and read all sorts of things. Let me provide a concrete example to make it clearer. You will recall that in August, two people from our side fell into captivity after getting lost, one of whom is one of my comrades. If you remember, there was almost a whole day with no official news about them getting lost, yet media outlets and Facebook users were clamoring for an official announcement, all for two or three extra likes and views. What I want to say is that we are that irresponsible, ignorant, and careless; we look at problems through our fingers and act driven by emotions, while in fact, forgetting that the enemy controls the internet systemically. We turned people who had strayed into enemy-controlled territory and were trying to secretly get out into captives with our own hands, as we sent a public signal to the enemy about their being lost.

I hope you understand what I am saying. Think a little before doing something. I am sure that one day we will learn to be much more serious, vigilant, and balanced.”