Director of Erebuni Museum Ready to Resign if Superiors Find It Necessary

The director of the Erebuni archaeological reserve-museum, Mikael Badalyan, has made a statement regarding the filming and distribution of adult content by foreign tourists in the premises of the Erebuni archaeological site.

In particular, he wrote: “Since I continually receive calls from various media and individuals, I find it necessary to make a brief comment: I personally learned about the filming at the Erebuni Fortress only yesterday. Those who know me will understand the state of mind I am currently in.

However, until a thorough investigation is conducted by the relevant law enforcement bodies, I cannot provide a complete assessment of what occurred. The security of the Erebuni Fortress and museum is managed by the State Protection Department of the Armenian Police's Erebuni Division. I can say that the filming took place no earlier than June 24, as we began excavations at the Erebuni site on that date, and there is no soil resulting from the excavations in that material.

It is evident that the fortress was visited by a pre-planned group and not just two individuals. The Erebuni Fortress occupies a vast area, and one police officer cannot oversee the entire territory. We have approached the Yerevan Municipality to file a complaint with the Armenian Police and initiate an internal investigation to identify the so-called participants and to punish them according to the law. I understand that for many, this will serve as a wonderful opportunity for mudslinging, condemnation, and positioning as patriots.

I would like to mention that recently, thanks to the efforts of the Yerevan Municipality and the Erebuni archaeological reserve-museum, the lighting system along the fortress has been upgraded, an irrigation system has been installed, the police guard post has been renovated, a restroom has been created, and a new asphalt road leading to the fortress has been constructed, among other improvements.

It becomes clear from the material that we are dealing with deranged individuals who, as I have learned, have filmed similar material in other locations in Yerevan. It still needs to be clarified whether the filming at the fortress occurred during working hours and whether they entered through the main entrance or used alternate routes.

Yesterday, I was also informed via phone call that the video could be made public and discussed, and then it was suggested that I was anti-government, a member of their group, and should attend their upcoming congress, but later they said, ‘No, you don’t need to come to the congress, but then you will make your move so that this video will not be discussed.’ I have declined this and stated that they can release the material at any time.

I am neither anti-government, nor a party member, nor an opposition figure. I am simply trying to do my job with my sweat. I won’t detail any specifics now, but during the investigation, I will speak in detail about what has occurred.

Regardless of the fact that the protection of the Erebuni fortress and museum is conducted by the aforementioned department of the Police of Armenia, and it would be easy to lay the blame solely on them, I must state that I am the primary responsible person for all this. If my superiors find that I should resign from my position, I will do so unconditionally...

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have expressed and continue to express their support at this time. Believe me, I really need all of you right now. As I mentioned in the title of my post regarding the statue of Hatis, after which it seems this material was placed, but the filming took place earlier, ‘By trusting in the power of Lord Jesus Christ,’” he wrote.