Armenian Human Rights Defender Refuses to Meet Bishop Bagrat in Presence of Journalists

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, has refused to meet with Bishop Bagrat in the presence of journalists. However, she has stated that her offer remains valid and that she is willing to meet with him and up to four other individuals without media presence. This was announced by the spokesperson for the Human Rights Defender, Arthur Aslanyan, during a conversation with reporters.

It is noteworthy that Bishop Bagrat, a leader of the 'Tavush for the Homeland Movement,' is currently near the office of the Human Rights Defender with participants of the movement. The bishop declared that they have come to the Human Rights Defender's office to receive answers to their inquiries and to question whether the Human Rights Defender has been serving human rights or otherwise during this entire period.

Earlier, Bishop Bagrat indicated that at least three media outlets should be present at the meeting to ensure transparency; otherwise, the meeting would not take place. 'My experience has unfortunately shown that anything not recorded can lead to misunderstandings, and then people begin to say, “I said this, you said that.” The Human Rights Defender is an open and transparent institution; what is the issue with journalists being present? We are not saying that Manasyan should already be downstairs to hear the concerns of the citizens she represents,' said Bishop Bagrat. He emphasized that they do not intend to convince Manasyan but will perceive her refusal to meet with journalists as a stance.