Citizen Threatens Self-Immolation If Unable to Enter the U.S.: MP Raises Alarm

The Chair of the Permanent Commission on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the Armenian National Assembly, non-partisan Taguhi Tovmasyan, has reported that Armenian citizen J. Maloyan approached her under the guidance of the Secretary of the "Armenia" faction, Artzvik Minasyan. He threatened to resort to the most extreme measure—self-immolation—if he could not enter the United States.

Following my urgent instruction, experts from the National Assembly's human rights protection and public affairs committee met with J. Maloyan. They listened to the citizen for about two hours, clarifying my expectations from him. Accordingly, a letter was immediately prepared for the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Lynn Tracey.

I noted that the citizen claims to be the author of six inventions, two of which are considered "discoveries of the century." During the meeting, the citizen also presented certificates received from relevant U.S. entities as proof.

Due to family circumstances after returning to Armenia, the citizen has encountered difficulties with state bodies regarding the implementation of his projects. As he claims, having assurances from two American senators that he did not violate immigration legislation while in the U.S., he decided to apply for asylum at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia to expedite his ability to reach the U.S. and benefit from the funding opportunities for his inventions.

The citizen alleged that during a meeting with the consulate, a security staff member took his passport and marked it as "Cancelled/Revoked," which effectively prevents him from traveling to the U.S. He is now requesting assistance with regard to obtaining permission to travel to the U.S.

However, I received an operational response from the Ambassador stating that the Ambassador is unable to discuss the details of the case I mentioned, as it falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. law. Relevant authorities also informed me that in such cases, the citizen must personally apply to the consular service, as I am considered a third party.

Maloyan also raised questions regarding the approval of political asylum, to which the Commission's expert provided legal advice.