Reaction of the Anti-Corruption Committee: Following Arpine Hovhannisyan's Remarks

Arpine Hovhannisyan's observations were followed by quite remarkable developments. This morning, Anna Hakobyan, the executive director of the My Step Foundation, stated during her address: "Judging by the Q&A session that took place yesterday between the Anti-Corruption Committee and journalists, it is possible that I may face criminal liability as the executive director of the My Step Foundation." The day before, the My Step Foundation announced free English language courses.

The chairman of the Anti-Corruption Committee responded to a journalist's question, stating that this way, the ban on charity, which is considered a criminal offense, has not been violated. Today, in response to an inquiry from Auroranews, the Anti-Corruption Committee also indicated that there is no ongoing investigation related to the activities of the My Step Foundation.

It is worth noting that Article 221 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia establishes criminal liability for providing voters or participants in a referendum with non-repayable or preferential conditions of cash, food, goods, securities, or services from the time of the appointment of elections or a referendum until the results are summarized. Additionally, it prohibits combining charity with propaganda. The law stipulates imprisonment for a term of 3 to 6 years.

It should be noted that the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has already signed a decree stating that the next parliamentary elections in Armenia will take place on June 7, 2026.