Parents Express Discontent Over ‘Aghbyur’ Camp Activities, Allegations of Improper Behavior Towards Children

Parents are expressing their dissatisfaction with the activities of the ‘Aghbyur’ camp where their children spent their time. Some parents have even reported incidents of mistreatment to the police department of the Republic of Armenia's Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' reports that parents of children who attended this camp located in the community of Tsaghkadzor, Kotayk Province, received information indicating that employees there exhibited improper behavior towards the children, subjecting them to psychological pressure and bullying. Specifically, it was reported that staff entered the children's rooms during sleep hours and scared them by hitting the beds. This situation has escalated to the point where several dozen children called their parents asking to be taken home.

Notably, many complainants informed 'Zhoghovurd' that the arrangement for a joyful stay for their children had been mediated and pushed by Mary Parvanyan, the wife of the mayor of Ashtarak, Tovmas Shahverdyan. Many parents even expressed their grievances on the camp's Facebook page, yet their comments were swiftly removed from the site. However, the correspondence detailing their complaints remains in the parents' possession.

It’s important to note that this is the same camp about which the food safety inspection body of Armenia released an announcement on July 20, 2023, regarding the suspension of the camp's kitchen operation due to the bathroom door opening directly into the food preparation area.

Following citizens' reports, 'Zhoghovurd' attempted to reach the employees of the ‘Aghbyur’ camp. An administration representative responded, stating, “Our camp has been closed for a while now, and it has not been operational since the 8th. Frankly, we have no information about any mistreatment. We have not received any complaints. You can check the ‘Aghbyur’ camp's website for any letters of gratitude from parents.”

When pressed about the complaints, the representative provided details about a specific case: “The child was sick, and the police and investigative team came; the parent apologized for the child being ill. The child simply found themselves in the grip of fantasy. You should have come at the right time to see the documentation.” They further explained that if 40 children were absent from the camp simultaneously, it would be closed immediately and that nothing incriminating had been found regarding the complaints.

'Zhoghovurd' has also learned that a report was made to the police regarding the poor treatment and harassment of children. We sought to understand how the police handled this case. 'Zhoghovurd' was informed that there indeed was a report of mistreatment, and while the police verified the report, no crime was determined, and no further action was taken.

We also attempted to contact Ashtarak's mayor, Tovmas Shahverdyan, to clarify what connection his wife has with the camp and what motivation she had for directing citizens to this camp, which had its kitchen closed by regulatory authorities. However, the municipal office responded, stating that Tovmas Shahverdyan's wife has no connection to the camp, and that the information is not accurate.

For more details, see today’s edition of 'Zhoghovurd'.