Urgent Formation of Ethics Committee in the National Assembly and Examination of Alen Simonian's Conduct: Statement

More than ten journalistic NGOs have issued a statement demanding the examination of National Assembly President Alen Simonian's conduct in the Ethics Committee of the National Assembly.

The statement reads: “The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, has repeatedly expressed a clear position that violence has no place in our lives. Meanwhile, as we can see, the deputies of the ‘Civil Contract’ faction continue the corrupt habits of the high-ranking representatives of the previous pre-revolutionary regime.

According to press reports, on April 2, 2023, a public incident occurred between National Assembly President Alen Simonian and citizen Karen Mkrtchyan, during which the latter called A. Simonian a ‘traitor’ upon seeing him. The National Assembly President instructed his security staff to detain Mkrtchyan, while he approached the citizen and humiliated him by cursing and spitting in his face.

After the incident, A. Simonian issued a statement in which he not only did not express regret but also justified his actions. It is regrettable to note that the leader of the Armenian Parliament encourages the preservation of the disgraceful traditions of public administration by his personal example, justifying anti-social conduct with his behavior.

We strictly condemn the behavior of the NA leader and demand that the deputies of the National Assembly, especially the political majority, make efforts to eliminate the cynical and irresponsible behavior of public officials that is incompatible with the values of the rule of law. We urge the majority of the National Assembly of Armenia to urgently form an ethics committee and investigate the matter, as well as consider the issue of holding the NA President accountable.

The incident should also be subject to investigation by law enforcement agencies, particularly within the framework of a criminal case regarding acts of hooliganism. The practice of resolving issues through hooligan methods must be completely terminated in Armenia, and utmost responsibility should be established even for responding with violence to the sharpest criticism. Each deputy of the National Assembly of Armenia must prove through their daily behavior, conduct, and speech that they deserve to be chosen by their people.