We, as Armenians, residing in Armenia and throughout the diaspora, are collectively committed to immediate change and justice in Armenia. In the wake of yearly protests and recent upheavals during the spring and summer of 2016 that resulted in gross violations of human and civic rights,
We say
NO to systematic corruption, monopolies, judicial inequality, police brutality, partisan politics, unequal rights, national depopulation, and elections tainted by fraud, all of which have contributed to the ongoing unrest.
We say
YES to the equality of all people, the fundamental preservation and protection of human rights, direct engagement in fair and transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, fair wages, separation of powers, a free press and advocacy for the disenfranchised. We say yes to tangible, democratic change through civic engagement with the citizenry of Armenia.
As a global community of Armenians, we would like Armenia’s political leaders to embody integrity, accountability, wisdom, intelligence, diplomacy, compassion, effectiveness and visionary thinking in addressing the pressing needs of the people of Armenia, thereby securing an egalitarian, just and constructive path towards real democracy where every voice matters.
Justice Within Armenia is a coalition of concerned Armenians around the world who believe in standing in solidarity with the people of Armenia and being present as eyewitnesses and monitoring free and fair elections while actively engaging with the Armenian populace in contributing to the present and future of our nation. We need to visualize an egalitarian state worthy of the resilience of our people and achieve it. Given our unique values and character, Armenia can and should become a country of opportunity, creativity, democracy and hope in a region rife with turmoil. The alternative is unthinkable.
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Initial Signatories
Serj Tankian – USA – (Artist, Activist)
Vahe Berberian – USA – (Artist, Writer, Actor, Director)
Atom Egoyan – Canada – (Filmmaker, Writer, Producer)
Arsinee Khanjian – Canada – (Actor, Director, Activist)
Eric Nazarian – USA – (Filmmaker, Writer)
Albert Kodagolian – USA – (Director, Cinematographer)
Alexis Ohanian – USA – (Reddit Co-Founder)
Antranig Kzirian – USA – (Artist and Activist)
Ara Dabandjian – USA – (Musician, Composer)
Ara Dinkjian – USA – (Musician, Composer)
Ara Oshagan – USA – (Artist)
Ariane Ascaride – France – (Actress, Screenwriter)
Carla Garapedian – USA – (Film Maker)
Chris Bohjalian – USA – (Author)
David Alpay – Canada – (Actor, Musician)
Eric Bogosian – USA – (Actor, Playwright, Novelist)
Eric V. Hachikian – USA – (Composer)
Hasmik Papian – Armenia – (Soprano)
Hrant Tokhatyan – Armenia – (Actor)
Jacky Nercessian – France – (Actor)
Maria Armoudian – New Zealand – (Writer, Radio Host, Professor at University of Auckland)
Nancy Kricorian – USA – (Novelist, Poet)
Norayr Kasper – Canada – (Cinematographer, Photographer, Architect)
R-Mean – USA – (Artist, OpenWounds1915)
Robert Guediguian – France – (Filmmaker, Producer)
Sebu Simonian – USA – (Musician)
Serge Avedikian – France – (Filmmaker, Actor, Producer)
Silvina Der Meguerditchian – Germany – (Visual Artist, Filmmaker)
Theodore Bogosian – USA – (Director, Writer, Producer)
Vicken Cheterian – Switzerland – (Historian, Journalist)
Justice Within Armenia Statement