Karin Tonoyan on the Scandalous Recording of Avetik Chalabyan

The Investigative Committee has reported that public and political figure Avetik Chalabyan has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to bribe the president of the student council of the National Agrarian University of Armenia in exchange for the participation of students in opposition protests. A recording of a conversation between Chalabyan and Tornik Aliyan, the head of the student council, was made public.

Chalabyan was considered an ally of the '5165 Movement' initiative. In an interview with ArmDaily.am, Karin Tonoyan, the leader of the '5165 Movement,' stated that he was unaware of what had actually happened because the recording was edited and cut.

"In reality, that recording is cut and edited, and I very much regret this. I know Chalabyan as a person who has made invaluable contributions to the homeland for many years, but at the same time, I also urge everyone to be cautious and not fall for such provocations. It is evident that that guy, who I do not know whether he is the president of the student council or what, displays absolutely cynical behavior, which is unacceptable. But since the video is edited, I do not know how it ends, do you understand? That’s why I cannot say anything, other than that I regret that he has gotten involved in such a story. I have no doubt about Chalabyan's absolute patriotism, but at the same time, I cannot, based on my perspective, say that one should get involved in any such matters, even with the best of intentions. The truth is above everything. Let it be clarified—then we will understand, and if there has been such a slip, I still believe that one must fight for the homeland with absolute honesty. That guy should have been severely punished for turning the struggle for the homeland into a sale and should be punished for it," said Tonoyan.

The leader of the '5165 Movement' said that it was a provocation and noted that he considers Chalabyan very smart and simply regrets that Chalabyan and the person with him did not realize that they were being drawn into a provocation and did not respond appropriately at the moment and walked away. He added that he does not wish to say anything further, as the full recording of the conversation is still not available.