Unknown Individuals Removed Artsakh Flag from Public Radio Before Pashinyan's Visit

A recent incident occurred just before Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Public Radio. According to Factor.am, a group of individuals arrived at the radio station before Pashinyan and removed the Artsakh flag. Although security personnel at the radio attempted to resist, the flag was eventually taken down. It was later returned.

Garikeyn Khumaryan, the executive director of Public Radio, confirmed the incident in a conversation with the news outlet. He stated, "The flag was removed for a few hours."

- Mr. Khumaryan, is it true that the Artsakh flag was removed before Pashinyan's visit?

- The flag is now present; you can come and see it.

- Could you please confirm whether it was indeed taken down before the visit?

- On the 31st at around one o'clock, one of our employees noticed that the flag had been removed, and we immediately brought it back to where it should be.

- At what time did Pashinyan arrive?

- In the morning.

- So it was removed before Pashinyan's visit?

- I acknowledge the fact that on the 31st, unfortunately, the Artsakh flag was not there for several hours. I assure you that it has nothing to do with any employee of Public Radio.

- Are there cameras in the area? Was it recorded who removed it?

- There are no cameras monitoring that side; we tried, but it did not show anything.

- Is it possible that the security staff protecting Pashinyan might have removed it?

- I can't say for sure; I don't have clear information. Let's stick to the facts; yes, I confirm that on the day you mentioned, the flag was indeed absent for several hours.

It is worth noting that today, Garikeyn Khumaryan published an article on Public Radio's website criticizing Nikol Pashinyan for remarks made in a recent interview. He wrote, "Last week in this studio, we were told to cease being what we are. We were told that the Turks are strong, and the Armenians are weak. The Turks are slaughtering the Armenians. This syllogism should have concluded with 'let's become stronger,' but instead, the phrase 'let's stop being Armenian' was heard." Khumaryan also published a photo of himself in a red outfit from the same studio. It should be remembered that Pashinyan had used allegory when discussing changes to the Constitution.