Armenian human rights activist: It's a dog's life in Armenia

The end of the last year and the beginning of 2011 marked a dramatic reshuffle in the Armenian government. How do you evaluate this process? What can it result?
 
I don’t know exactly what you mean by saying "reshuffle". Just a few ministers were replaced, it changes nothing. Armenia still remains a criminal state. Any person, whoever he was before, coming to power sooner or later accepts and agrees to the rules of the game which is already legalized in Armenia. And I'm sure that, before becoming a cog in the state machinery, only one thing is demanded from them. Power- a kind of thing that spoils everything.

According to Armenian media, a domestic political discontent is rapidly rising. Do you expect the Egyptian scenario to repeat in Armenia?
 
Yes, the discontent is growing. Public is dissatisfied with everything, lawlessness of power structures, corruption, taxes, rising prices, everything. Armenian citizens are not protected. This, by the way refers to any Armenian regardless of status - whether he is an oligarch, MP, journalist and human rights activist or a simple citizen. Mostly state machines feel themselves unlimited. Egyptian scenario? Of course, everything is possible. The wave of protest movement is increasing day by day. Opposition on behalf of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) began meetings and has already delivered an ultimatum to the authorities. In the near future all will become clear.

What is the situation of political prisoners in Armenia? Is it getting better?
 
The cases with political prisoners can not improve or worsen. If they exist – their situation is bad. However most of them after the events of March 1, 2008 were released after the required amnesty of Western institutions. Now only 9 remain is prison.
 
Judging by the publications of the Armenian media, most recently frequent bloody incidents and facts of bullying increases in the Armenian army. What do you think, what is the reason and what are the ways to solve this problem?
 
No means exists to decide this problem. The only way is a complete reform of the army. The ultimate goal should be to achieve a professional army, competent commanders and the democratic doctrine. And this will happen only with the political will of the republic's authorities. At least I don’t expect anything from the current government. As to murderous incidents - it is a consequence of "status quo" of the current government.

According to media reports, popular emigration from Armenia is rapidly rising. What is your comment about it?

- If you asked why this high outflow occurs, for example, in Norway, I would underline several causes. But as for Armenia, there is no reason, really. Everything is quite obvious - its a dog's life.


/Day.Az/