I Requested a Written Clarification from the Ministry of Defense: Taguhi Tovmasyan

The chairperson of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs, Taguhi Tovmasyan, stated, “Recent military training exercises seem to target opposition figures. In light of warnings about the politicalization of military structures, the Republic of Armenia's Law on Defense establishes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as a cornerstone of the defense organization and implementation process. However, under the conditions of 'Armenian democracy,' it seems that human rights are giving way to political directives, fostering a sense of injustice among large segments of society.

As the chairperson of the National Assembly's Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs Committee, I have been receiving alerts these days that participants of the opposition's peaceful protests in recent months are being systematically notified to participate in upcoming military training exercises. For example, a notification was sent to Gegham Manukyan, who is in custody, the active protest participant and member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Gevorg Muradyan, who is also imprisoned, and Taron Ghazaryan, the president of the ARF 'Nikola Aghbalyan' student union, among others.

What does this mean? In response to political actions, the authorities are 'punishing' the opposition by involving them in training exercises. Meanwhile, the politicalization of the armed forces creates an atmosphere of injustice. In a democratic country, freedoms of speech, assembly, and political expression should be guaranteed. Furthermore, the authorities act rather overtly in this matter. Let us remember Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security, who called on the Ministry of Defense to obtain a list of participants in peaceful protests from the police and include citizens who avoided training exercises and compulsory military service in the training sessions.

Now many citizens are understandably questioning whether, for instance, the sons of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, government ministers, or ruling party deputies are involved in these exercises, considering that the Constitution of Armenia clearly defines equality before the law.

Additionally, many citizens are expressing dissatisfaction that an individual claiming to represent the military commissariat calls a citizen to provide some information, prompting the citizen to ask whether confidential information is being disclosed or not, which would clarify the possibility of responding promptly via phone. In response, the military commissariat informs that they are for current updates, nothing more.

Some citizens informed me that, despite that, they went to the military commissariat; however, instead of ongoing checks, they were informed that they would be involved in training exercises. Others, aware of legal regulations—that a call to a military conscript cannot be considered proper notification according to the law—refused to go to the military commissariat, resulting in tensions in some cases.

There are numerous instances of alleged human rights violations, and therefore I officially announce to our citizens: 1. During this period of organizing training exercises, the position of the chair of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs will serve as a platform to address every individual case according to the law; 2. I have instructed the committee's experts to engage with every alert and propose actions in support of human rights; 3. I have requested a written clarification from the Ministry of Defense regarding the training exercise process to clarify why opposition members are being targeted; 4. For any inquiries related to training exercises, drafting processes, and any issues regarding human rights violations, you can contact us at 011 513 230.

Let us not forget: serving the homeland is a mission, a duty for all, but never a punishment. However, the government of Nikol Pashinyan has distorted this commitment and turned the defense of the homeland into a form of political punishment. This is unacceptable... not just for some, but EVERYONE must be equal before the law.