Who Will Replace Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan? Government Won't Choose Him Again: 'Zhoghovurd'

'Zhoghovurd' newspaper reports: 'The term of Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan expires on February 23, 2022, and it has become clear from the statements of government representatives that members of Prime Minister Pashinyan's team do not intend to re-elect him for that position.

In an interview with one media outlet, Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan stated that after Tatoyan’s term ends, the 'Civil Contract' party will present its candidate for the head of the Ombudsman's office.

According to information from 'Zhoghovurd', the government is also considering the candidacy of Edmon Marukyan, the leader of the 'Bright Armenia' party, for this position. Some circles have been lobbying for Marukyan in discussions with Prime Minister Pashinyan. We tried to personally ascertain Marukyan's stance on the matter, but he did not respond to our calls.

It should be noted that the person assuming the role of the Ombudsman is not supposed to engage in party activity. If Marukyan agrees to be the government’s candidate and becomes the Ombudsman, he will need to resign from his position as party leader and cease all party activities.

Additionally, the Human Rights Defender is elected by the Parliament based on the recommendation of the competent permanent committee, with at least 3/5 of the total number of MPs voting in favor,' the newspaper writes.