Journalist Reports Assault by Yerevan Municipality Official

It is likely you remember that recently inspectors from the Yerevan Municipality fined a woman on a bus who turned out to have paid her fare. After seeing a report about this incident, I posted my opinion on social media, specifically noting that "having narrow-minded and incompetent managers is what leads to this situation." This was written by journalist Hakob Karapetyan, the spokesperson for former Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan, on his Facebook page.

"That same evening, a certain Avetik Babayan contacted me, using filthy and disrespectful language to demand an account for my post. I tried to find information about this guy online, only to discover that he is none other than the deputy head of the Public Order Service at the Yerevan Municipality.

That same evening, I called two senior officials at the municipality, one of whom is directly responsible for coordinating personnel-related issues. I reported what had happened and expressed hope that appropriate actions would be taken regarding his behavior.

Two days later, having received no response from the municipality, I searched for Babayan’s work contact details from public sources, passed my phone number to the secretary, and asked for him to call back. Hours later, Babayan called and started making threats again. Once more, I tried to make it clear to him, using accessible language, that he is a public official and it would be better for him to focus on his duties. I considered the incident to be over.

Two weeks later, I left my workplace late at night, and someone wearing a mask came out from the corner of the yard and began to strike me without saying a word. I tried to defend myself, but due to the element of surprise, I wasn’t able to protect myself properly and sustained some injuries. Without burdening with further details, let me inform you that I am convinced that the attack against me and the incidents described above are directly related.

Naturally, that same evening, I contacted law enforcement and hope they will investigate the available evidence, the threats directed at me (which are documented), and the recordings from security cameras in the area on the day of the attack.

All of this has, of course, occurred with at least tacit tolerance on the part of the authorities, because:

1. Common sense suggests that a person like Avetik Babayan should be kept far away from public service, especially from the maintenance of public order. However, Tigran Avinyan has not only entrusted him with a crucial position but has also taken no steps to mitigate the confusion caused by my conveyed information. It is one of two things: either Avinyan is complicit with him and is protecting his former affiliate, or he is unaware of this incident. In any case, this indicates that the dog does not recognize its master at the municipality.
2. It is unacceptable to attack people like a rabid dog for public criticism. Together with my colleagues and friends, we will do everything possible to maximize public attention on this case. This is not a trivial incident; it is an act of persecution and intimidation due to my public activities," wrote Hakob Karapetyan.