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Thursday, 31 May 2012

Ombudsman: 'respect for gay rights and tolerance are in accordance with Armenia national interests'

Armenia Ombudsman interview with Regnum (RU), including re: gay rights, recent firebombing of alternative, gay friendly DIY bar, disruption of Diversity march and so called "propaganda of homosexuality". It is headlined as: "Gay parades are not propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation". Ombudsman did a good job in explaining why it is important to respect human rights, including gay rights, in Armenia, and why tolerance is in accordance with Armenia's national interests. Good one. Selected relevant extracts below.
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Гей-парады - не есть пропаганда нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации - омбудсмен Армении Карен Андреасян


*via ombuds.am

"Толерантное отношение к ближнему еще не означает, что твой ребенок может стать представителем религиозного или сексуального меньшинства", - заявил омбудсмен Армении Карен Андреасян. В интервью ИА REGNUM он поделился своими соображениями в сфере защиты прав человека в различных сферах. Не удалось обойти и недавно имевший место скандал по части сексуальных меньшинств. [...]

ИА REGNUM: Консервативные силы в Армении считают, что в некоторых сферах, например, защита прав сексуальных меньшинств, права человека иногда противоречат национальным интересам. Согласны ли вы с этим мнением?

Первое, что я хочу сказать, что мною уважаемое наше традиционное общество не стало ассоциировать права человека с гомосексуализмом. К сожалению, существует тенденция, когда начинаешь говорить о правах человека и европейских ценностях, сразу пытаются это связать с конкретными группами. Эта попытка дискредитировать понятие прав человека вообще. Поступающие так националистически настроенные группы на самом деле не понимают, что дискредитация сферы прав человека в борьбе против гомосексуализма приводит к тому, что завтра и их движение против какой-то группы будет ограничено, так как под правами человека понимается защита как прав националистов, так и участников гей-парадов. Таким образом, я считаю, что именно из национальных интересов исходит толерантность, цивилизованность и демонстрация миру того, что в нашем обществе насилие всегда осуждается.

ИА REGNUM: В связи с недавним скандалом вокруг клуба D.I.Y. в Ереване, которое посещают люди нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации. Владелец клуба обратился также к вам. Каково ваше мнение по этому поводу?

Вопрос с нападением на клуб D.I.Y. довольно многослоен. Что касается насилия, то здесь второго мнения не может быть, мы однозначно осуждаем любое насилие. Было совершено преступление, которое необходимо покарать по всей строгости закона. Это - моя позиция относительно конкретно инцидента.

ИА REGNUM: Многие в Армении, в том числе националистически настроенные группы, выступают не против гемосексуалистов, а пропаганды гомосексуализма посредством гей-клубов или гей-парадов. Как вы думаете, насколько закономерна и правильна пропаганда гомосексуализма?

Во-первых, я не считаю, что все вышеизложенные моменты включают в себя элементы пропаганды. Если десять человек собираются в каком-то доме или помещении, это еще не пропаганда. Именно поэтому я бы выделил группы - будь то религиозное меньшинство или большинство, сексуальное меньшинство или большинство, которые должны иметь возможность свободно, в рамках закона претворить в жизнь свои предпочтения. Каждый в рамках своей морали может быть свободным, независимо от того, как другие к этому относятся. Что касается пропаганды, проведения шествий, распространения буклетов, то и к этому вопросу следует относиться выборочно, поскольку необходимо выяснить, на что нацелена эта пропаганда. Вопрос в том, какой месседж направляется обществу. Если показывают ребенку порнографические материалы, то я против этого. Это запрещает и законодательство. Если же речь идет о защите свобод, то я за, поскольку этого требуют как законодательство, так и международные обязательства Армении.

ИА REGNUM: На прошлой неделе в Ереване был проведен "Парад многообразия", который прошел довольно напряженно, так как порядка 100 человек протестовали против него и посчитали его попыткой пропаганды гомосексуализма. Как вы считаете, были ли в этом параде элементы пропаганды гомосексуализма?

По словам организаторов, акция не была гей-парадом. По моему мнению, в понятие "многообразие" входят и национальные, и религиозные, и сексуальные меньшинства. То есть все те, которые не похожи на других, на большинство. Сейчас отличающиеся от большинства люди говорят о том, что желают жить, работать в этой стране и быть защищенными. Думаю, наше толерантное общество не против того, чтобы указанные группы безопасно жили и работали в нашем государстве. Что касается данного парада, то здесь я вижу пропаганду по защите прав меньшинств, но не пропаганду гомосексуализма. Они могут и желают видеть много людей, которые разделяют их взгляды, однако я не считаю, что люди становятся гомосексуалистами, когда видят гуляющих по городу людей нетрадиционной сексуальной ориентации. Люди, которые не разделяют этих взглядов, могут свободно пропагандировать свою точку зрения. В конце концов, проблема не решается ликвидацией другого. Проблему можно решить путем представления своей позиции посредством мирных методов. Люди посещают Армянскую апостольскую церковь не для того, чтобы причинить вред религиозным меньшинствам, а по собственной воле и по своему желанию.

Friday, 18 May 2012

Spokesman of Armenia Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country


Absolutely disgusting and outrageous! Pretty much nauseating, in fact. 

Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman, MP Eduard Sharmazanov in a statement to local media explicitly supported firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan. [Republican party of Armenia is a member of the European People’s party]. 

He dubbs terrorist act by firebombers against gay friendly DIY bar a “rebellion” and - echoing ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan - calls it “right and justified” (!!!) 

Another MP of ruling Republican party Hovhannes Sahakyan similarly supported the attackers and the stance of two MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun who bailed out firebomber and (in case of Artsvik Minasyan) justified the attack. He praised firebombers who made a “practical step” and have not just satisfied with online discussions (!!!). 

What is going on in Armenia? Are we seriously moving towards state sponsored fascism? I thought we were moving towards Europe... 

And this is happening in a country that made significant contribution to the fight against fascism... In a country that survived the Genocide... 

This can no longer be considered as "internal affairs" of Armenia. This is developing into a real threat towards lives and freedom of citizens of Republic of Armenia. Terrorists acts are being justified and encouraged at a very high state level of the Armenian parliament and ruling party. Anti-gay attackers are being effectively proclaimed as 'national heroes’.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country.

For more details - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Read also: To do: ‘Persona non grata’ on human rights grounds for certain Armenia officials, individuals and groups

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

ARF Dashnaktsutyun Armenia MP Artsvik Minasyan justifies terrorism. Party must disassociate itself from disgraced MP statements

MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia 

...amid reports of new attack on DIY.

*picture by Lara Aharonian

For details - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

HATE CRIME ALERT: popular free-spirited DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack



"No to Fascism" - "I am DIY" 

On 8 May 2012 when countries in Europe, former Soviet Union and elsewhere started marking the anniversary of the end of World War II, Armenian neo-nazi elements decided to mark it with an attack towards the oasis of freedom in Yerevan, my favourite venue - DIY bar.


PICTURES, VIDEO, REPORTS FROM HATE CRIME SCENE - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Friday, 4 May 2012

Balloon explosion tragedy at Armenia ruling Republican party pre-election rally exposed blatant disregard to human lives

RFE/RL: “At least 144 people were hospitalized with burns after mass explosions of campaign balloons during a pre-election concert and rally held in Yerevan’s main square by President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) late on Friday.” 

My Question No.1

What on earth these balloons were filled in with?

Unconfirmed reports suggest that instead of helium they were filled in with cheap gas-like substances. I am inclined to believe this version.

My Question No. 2

Why after such huge incident "concert" continued? And why after such incident Armenia president went on to deliver his planned pre-election speech as if nothing happened?

No, it is NOT always OK to say: “Show must go on”.

RFE/RL reports: “President Sarkisian addressed the crowd shortly afterwards. He did not mention the unprecedented emergency in his speech. The concert continued after the speech.” 

BBC reports: “Despite the incident, President Serge Sarkisian went on to address thousands of people at the rally. The balloons were decorated with the governing Republican Party's slogan "let's believe in change". 

My verdict

What a blatant disregard to human lives!!
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I am extremely sad and angry. My thoughts are with injured people...

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

A rainy day in April...

iRemember: 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide...
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An Armenian folk song ('At the Break of Dawn', compiled by Arusyak Sahakian), arranged by Ayşe Tütüncü, well known pianist/musician from Turkey [you may read her interview with Bianet here], and performed by 42 Turkish musicians. In memoriam April 24.

Sunday, 15 April 2012

PR deceit: not real but ‘fake Gallup’ commissioned to conduct exit poll for Armenian parliamentary election

There was a big PR by government controlled Armenia TV channel that they have signed up with the Gallup to conduct exit poll for upcoming Armenian parliamentary election. All the main headlines implied that the world renowned US company will conduct exit poll in Armenia, thus putting behind it its reputation.

Even with the ‘real’ Gallup, I would have concerns re polling, as taking into account local circumstances, it is very important who conducts the polls in the field. If it’s one of discredited sociological groups in Armenia, then even with the best Gallup methodology, I would not trust their results.

7or.am revealed, however, that it’s not ‘real' Gallup that is going to conduct the exit poll and pre-election survey, but the ‘fake’ one.

This is a ‘real’ Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/corporate/115/About-Gallup.aspx

This is a ‘fake’ Gallup: former “Gallup International Association”. Kancho Stoychev who signed the agreement with the Armenia TV is their Vice-President (Bulgaria). [http://www.gallup-international.com/en/who_we_are/the_board] Despite name change [“Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research”], they still contain references to “Gallup” within their website.

According to one Wikipedia reference, [US-based] Gallup Inc. and [Switzerland-based] Gallup International Association (GIA) were involved in a legal dispute over the use of “Gallup” name. In 2010, GIA merged with the market research company WIN (Worldwide Independent Network). They are currently called “Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research”.

It’s the US-based company, not the Swiss one, that is famous for Gallup Poll.

This is not what we will be getting for Armenian parliamentary election.

Civil protest? More like a mob rule against organiser of Azeri film festival in Armenia

After previous unsuccessful attempt, the Azerbaijani film festival - this time in Armenia’s second town Gyumri on 12 April - was yet again cancelled amid ‘campaign of terror’, police inaction and safety concerns, as the organiser explained.

Unfortunately, like two years ago, we witnessed similar level of nationalist hysteria.

Along with other medium, anti-Azerbaijani film festival Facebook page was set up full of hatred and with open calls at life of the organiser Georgi Vanyan.

Below is a screenshot of just one such example, with a description of ‘murder plot’.


Notorious mayor of Gyumri used the occasion to spearhead the nationalist parade against the film festival.
@onewmphoto: Poor Gyumri. Noted for its architecture & humor in the Soviet era, devastated by the 1988 earthquake, & now the fiefdom of Vartan Ghukasian
This was a campaign of bullying, intimidation, hate speech, direct death threats, psychological and physical abuse towards someone who you do not agree with. This was not a ‘civil’ protest. More like a mob rule.

Video of attack demonstrates this clearly.

As one of my Facebook friends commented on his page: is this how civilised and cultured people need to react to showing of film? “Do these protesters realize how insecure and weak they appear? So shameful...”

As I mentioned re relevant circumstances two years ago:
I strongly believe that art, and culture, do not recognise borders. Even if countries are at the state of war. Art, and films, are the best way for ordinary people to get to know each other better, to break the ice, even or especially in case of closed borders. There is also internet, of course, and meetings outside the national borders.

I have no problem if there are people who protest the idea or the fact of the festival. It’s their right. But do it in a (at least remotely) civilised way, without engaging the lowest possible denominator of nationalist/racist crap, personal attacks and threats to individuals. There is a fine line when freedom of speech gets transformed into something that should be considered within the frames of legal/criminal code. Many have already crossed that line.
Once again, freedom of speech lost in Armenia. Once again, state structures in Armenia failed to protect constitutional rights and freedom of their citizens. There were no winners.

*Recommended reading:

Armenia: Nationalist Threats Against Local Activist

Armenia: Support for Georgi Vanyan

Sunday, 8 April 2012

Sunday, 1 April 2012

Sign of our times: ‘Facebook flag’ at Armenia opposition rally

*picture - © PanARMENIAN Photo / Tigran Melkonyan

This is an incredible picture. The ‘Facebook flag’ was seen waving at Armenia opposition rally. A sign of how Facebook (or Internet, in its broader social context) became a symbol of alternative reality for many in Armenia (and Diaspora). A medium where discussions are held, news are exchanged, actions are initiated and coordinated. A reality facilitated by the lack of independent free TV in Armenia, as well as alternative voices breaking through the limits and barriers of ‘formal’ media via blogs or similar platforms. This, in turn, boosted the development of online media, including traditional media outlets’ increasing online presence, and more prominently on Facebook. A virtual country attached to the offline one, with increasing presence of politicians and activists of various levels and interests, with possibilities to influence and being influenced.

We may love or hate Facebook, but with its increasing influence on political and social life in Armenia, the factor of ‘Armenian Republic of Facebook’ or ‘Facebook Republic of Armenia’ is difficult to impossible to ignore.

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Censorship alert: Armenia author persecuted for his book reflecting the army


Unbelievable. What ages are we living in?! Say your firm NO to attempts of taking back Armenia into dark ages of Stalinism.
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(via Facebook page: Signing of petition to support author Hovhannes Ishkhanyan)

Sign petition here:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/hovhannes-ishkhanyan/


As writers, artists, intellectuals, and concerned members of the Armenian diaspora (and beyond), we add our names to this petition to express our outrage over the censorship of Hovhannes Ishkhanyan's novel Demob Day by the Military Police in Armenia and by various bookstores in Yerevan. Freedom of expression is the bedrock of any democracy; the interrogation of an author and the removal of literature from bookshelves harkens back to the primitive, brutal, unenlightened, and fearful days of Stalinism and Fascism.

Literature is one means by which an open society examines, discusses and debates the problems it faces. A celebration of the five hundred year anniversary of books in Armenia rings hollow at this time when even one book, dealing with a timely and crucial issue of Armenian society, does not have a chance of being read.

We urge the authorities involved, including the Ministry of Culture and the Central Military Prosecutor's Office of Armenia, to drop their pursuit of charging Ishkhanyan with Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (the illegal dissemination of pornographic materials or items). We stand behind our fellow writers in Armenia as they defend Ishkhanyan and will watch this case carefully to offer further support in keeping literature in Armenia free from blatant intrusions and threats from the government.

Sign petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/hovhannes-ishkhanyan/
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/pictures - by Nazik Armenakyan, ArmeniaNow; emphasis mine/

For more on this case, read here:

Fiction?: Army pursues author as Armenia celebrates its status as “World Book Capital” (ArmeniaNow)

Armenian Writer Persecuted for ‘Vulgar’ Novel on Army (Epress.am)

Law-Enforcement Agencies Censor (Aravot)

Գրաքննության փորձ. ոստիկանները կարդացել են «Ուվալնյատի օրը» (Human Rights in Armenia)

Ռազմական ոստիկանությունն ինձնից վրեժ է լուծում. Հովհաննես Իշխանյան (Lurer.com)

Երիտասարդ գրողի նկատմամբ հետապնդումը կարող է Հայաստանում արտահայտվելու ազատությունը խոչընդոտելու նախադեպ դառնալ (Media.am)

Sunday, 11 March 2012

Scarface: "The government is your government. What are YOU going to do about it?"

Was watching the old version of classic Scarface (director Howard Hawks, 1932) and was amazed that the film begins with the message demanding government to take actions re gang culture and calling viewers to act as "the government is your government”:
“This picture is an indictment of gang rule in America and of the callous indifference of the government to this constantly increasing menace to our safety and our liberty. 
Every incident in this picture is the reproduction of an actual occurrence, and the purpose of this picture is to demand of the government: “What are you going to do about it?” 
The government is your government. What are YOU going to do about it?”

Friday, 9 March 2012

Erotic-acrobatic Ukrainian-Armenian guilty pleasure: "Մի թողնիր ինձ մենակ" (Don't forsake me)

Something light to start the weekend with. You know, a guilty pleasure type of thing.

Ladies & Gents, here we are: erotic-acrobatic Ukrainian-Armenian former-dancer-turned-singer Vitaliy Kozlovskiy and former-striptease-dancer-turned-singer Varda (Vardush? :) They are Ukrainian but both with Armenian roots. And they sing in Armenian.

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Losers! Armenia Public TV withdraws from Eurovision 2012

They could have announced it much earlier, with dignity, with a kind of reasoning that would have gained them respect. Instead, they resorted to stupid propaganda games and outright lies. They undignified themselves to the extent of exploiting death of the Armenian soldier. Not only they behaved as total losers, now they have to pay big sum fines too. A disgrace.

Read the background story here: Public TV in Armenia and pop singers in PR disaster over Eurovision

Sunday, 4 March 2012

Beware: zombies and Hitler lookalikes invaded downtown Yerevan

*Liberty sq, downtown Yerevan, 4 March 2012 (picture by Sergey Sargsyan)

...And this group “Hayots Artsivner” [‘Armenian Eagles’] is headed by deputy minister of sport and youth affairs Khachik Asryan. Disgusting is an understatement. Unacceptable and shameful for government official is an understatement. Shouldn’t be surprising though, taking into account that ruling Republican party is favouring such ideology: Exposed: racism and 'blood purity' part of ideology of Armenia ruling Republican party? [interestingly, website of the Republican party is not working as of now]

They - plus other neo-nazi groups, like Mek Azg etc. - look and sound more like clowns, and it’s hard, very hard to take them seriously.

However... We may laugh as long and as hard as we wish, but suddenly we may wake up with these people invading Armenia for real. Then, there will be a no laughing matter.

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Armenia: garbage 'ballot' box

Ballot box = garbage bin? This is how some in Armenia view the process of "elections" here.

A sign on garbage bin in Yerevan reads: "ballot box"

*picture - via @reporter_arm

Thursday, 16 February 2012

“Sorry” seems to be the hardest word for Oskanian & co. Preparations for 1-March-part-2 underway?

Ha! Vartan Oskanian's statement (via Civilitas Foundation): “Yesterday I submitted my application for membership to the Prosperous Armenia Party [...]"

The expected happens. No surprises here. Pro-notorious-ex-president-Kocharyan Armenia ex-FM Vartan Oskanian formally joins oligarch-lead pro-Kocharyan party to participate in upcoming parliamentary (and more?) elections.

As expected. No surprises... Civilitas and Oskanian 'rock'... in a very expected direction...

I already posted why Oskanian cannot be trusted in his ‘commitment’ to”free and fair” elections. [Re: Armenia ex-FM Vartan Oskanian and “free and fair” elections]

Here is a list of some of 1 March lies that Oskanian did not clear himself off. In fact, he did not even apologize. For a start. The very least he could have done. Sorry would not be enough, but apparently even “Sorry” is a very hard word for Oskanian.

And here is a video of interview with CNN where Salpi Ghazarian, director of Civilitas Foundation (then Asst. to Armenian Foreign Minister Oskanian), was effectively ‘justifying’ the use of force against protesters by putting forward the notion of “armed protestors”.



They should be ashamed of their actions. Instead, they are trying to play a democracy game.

Until they come clean re their role in 'rationalising' or 'justifying' previous election fraud (example - presidential election of 2003) and the 1 March post-election bloodshed, it will be impossible for me to believe their words and intentions re democracy, human rights, and free and fair elections.

It's pity, so many good people work for Civilitas... For example, CivilNet.TV is doing OK job in covering various important, including not so mainstream issues. However, with all these connections, I can’t help myself but wonder whether this is all part of a bigger game, and all those good guys who are currently part of Civilitas unwittingly became part of the 'game’...

If we add to the picture an introduction of the law in the Armenian parliament (adopted in its first readings) making the use of army “in case of emergency” effectively “legitimate” for internal affairs then... It is not impossible to suspect that this looks more like preparations for a version of 1-March-part-2.

Sunday, 12 February 2012

'Armenian Activists Now' (trailer)

“If you are not majority, if you are not one of them, you suffer.” (Mamikon Hovsepyan, PINK Armenia)

This film - Armenian Activists Now! - (by Davidian Video Productions) is set to be released in the summer of 2012. It tells a story of some dedicated activists who work and aim at making the “Change” happen in Armenia.

People power? Yes, we can?

Here is hoping...



More about the film - here.

Sunday, 5 February 2012

Top cop revenge? Prominent opposition journalist detained in Armenia for ... “traffic accident” related charges

Now that we have a very ‘sophisticated’ police chief in Armenia, if you get detained for your professional or social, political activities, you may be framed in a very ‘sophisticated’ way, indeed. No more drugs into your pocket (too cheap!), the whole scenario - for example, a “traffic accident” - may be directed to set you up. In this case, Hayk Gevorgyan - well known journalist of best selling pro-opposition daily Haykakan Zhamanak.

Sensing an outrage by journalistic, online, civil society and human rights circles, police.am issued a video to ‘defend’ their stance, including an interview with the alleged victim of the accident. A video that is so pathetic - with that ‘killing’ voice-over so in style of Soviet-like propaganda - that even if there is truth in police report, no one would believe them.

This brief humorous YouTube video uploaded after the detention of Hayk Gevorgyan shows just how believable many would consider police actions and ‘justifications’. Video was prepared by... “VovTV” (short of the name of police chief - Vladimir Gasparyan - “Vova”) and uploaded by... “ZimbabweFish”.



Ironically, only a week or so ago, as per Press Freedom Index 2011/12 released by Reporters Without Borders, Armenia significantly improved its rankings and considered the best in the South Caucasus and broader region.

Even if for a moment, just for a moment, we believe there could be ground in charges forwarded towards journalist, why on earth he has to be arrested awaiting trial?

True, it seems counter-intuitive and not in authorities’ interest to detain such a well known figure taking into account the very expected local and international reaction that would follow, as well as upcoming opposition rallies and parliamentary elections. So was this done, as many speculate, out of personal “vendetta” by police chief? In particular, as a consequence of the following articles published in Haykakan Zhamanak daily:

Եւ Աստված ասաց` Վովա
ԵԹԵ ԱՊՊԱ, ԱՊԱ ՊԱՊԱ
Մի կպիր, որ չկպցնես

In a press conference today, editor of Haykakan Zhamanak, prominent opposition figure Nikol Pashinyan said: "If you think that freedom of Hayk Gevorgyan is only a matter for Haykakan Zhamanak then your freedom is a matter for Haykakan Zhamanak too" ["Եթե դուք գտնում եք որ Հայկ Գևորգյանի ազատությունը միայն ՀԺ-ի հարցն ա, ուրեմն ձեր ազատությունը նույնպես ՀԺ-ի հարցն ա"]