There have always been “beating brigades” in Armenia who attack social activists, opposition members, and journalists. In mid of 90-s, they were called “Yerkrapahs” (Translator’s note, Defends of the Land). The latter were beating Krishna believers (probably for not having a “national character”), attacked the attorney Ruben Sahakyan, have applied violence against citizens gathered in the Freedom Square after the elections on July 5, 1995. No “yerkrapah” was punished for these crimes. In early 2000s ‘beating brigades’ began to be called “oligarchs’ bodyguards” or “skinheads”, who were throwing eggs at opposition rallies, were organizing riots, attacking opposition political figures and activists, and journalists. A couple of “skinheads” got light, symbolic sanctions. Apparently, these “body guards” played their role during the “March 1” events.
As to what “department” today’s “attackers” belong to, it’s hard to say, but it is apparent that all aforesaid gangs are connected with this or that cycle of the authorities. The proof of it is, of course, the impunity of attackers to people. For example, the law enforcement entities ‘could not’ figure out how beat the “Karabakh” committee member Ashot Manucharyan, or who attacked the former Minister of Internal Affairs Suren Abrahamyan. As for this and many other similar cases, the reasons of attacks are political, in the sense that the some government circles remained dissatisfied with the actions or statements of opposition figures, and command “attack!” to the hooligan under their hand to intimidate the public.
The attack against Haykak Arshamyan and Suren Saghatelyan are from the same series. The evidence to the contrary can only be the thing that not one the actual beaters are identified and adequately punished, but also those who have sent them. The previous experience in this regard does not inspire optimism.
But there is another aspect in these stories, which is certainly worth talking about, the lack of unified will in the society. Naturally, there is no public or political figure in the world whose work everyone will like, there are always competing political parties, competing NGOs or just people who do not like the views of victims for attack. But that, in no case, could cause some reservations, which contains a very insidious implication, “maybe they deserve it.”
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Violence must be condemned in all cases, without reservation. That is the most important guarantee of non-repetition of such crimes.
Aram Abrahamyan
