My Tenure Is Not a Display of Anyone's Good Will but My Loyalty to My Oath: Tatoyan on Ruling Party's Statements

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, issued a statement emphasizing that his tenure is not a gain or a display of good will from any individual or political force, but a testament to his determination and loyalty to his oath.

"I am compelled to respond to the assertions made through various public interviews and speeches by several members of the parliamentary ruling faction, which attempt to create the impression or show that my performance thus far is a result of their 'tolerance.' Furthermore, it has been stated that the ruling faction has never evaluated the performance of the Human Rights Defender, presenting it as an achievement. I declare responsibly that such claims do not correspond to reality.

During my tenure as Human Rights Defender—especially following the war—there have been various forms of prohibited exertion, ranging from demands presented by several high-ranking officials to cease or significantly reduce public work on post-war issues, to the Government's decision to take away the vehicles of the Human Rights Defender's staff in order to weaken our capabilities, and consistent attempts to eliminate financial independence, as well as organized campaigns to discredit the work conducted, including participation from high-ranking officials of the executive and legislative bodies.

Despite the challenges, I have never presented myself and do not intend to present myself in the status of a victim and have solely carried out human rights protection work based on apolitical and impartial principles," wrote Tatoyan.