Arman Tatoyan Reveals Controversial Details on Pressure to Not Criticize Azerbaijani Armed Forces

The former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, has spoken about the issues he faced with the ruling power and the demands placed upon him by the Government.

In an interview with 168.am, Tatoyan disclosed that he was pressured by the Government not to criticize the presence of Azerbaijani armed forces, including the illegal placement of signs and their actions near our villages and roads. The alternative presented was to work solely in writing and not to publish anything.

“The justification provided was that this matter allegedly has nothing to do with human rights, and my statements supposedly cause dissatisfaction among citizens, which the opposition uses against the authorities. The 'punishment' was the initiative to forcibly take about 90% of our office's vehicles, preventing us from going to border communities,” Tatoyan explained. “Naturally, my response was negative... After that, I had to call a press conference and seek public support (the conference was also dedicated to the Government's initiative aimed at stripping us of financial independence).”

He emphasized that irresponsible statements and actions from high-ranking officials in the political power of Armenia are among the main threats to the security of Armenia and Artsakh.