STATEMENT
Regarding the unlawful criminal prosecution of Artur Osipyan and the growing intolerance in public discourse
We, the undersigned, express our strong protest against the arrest and pre-trial detention imposed on Artsakh politician Artur Osipyan, which we consider to be unlawful, unjustified, and disproportionate.
We also consider unacceptable the question addressed to Artur Osipyan by Nikol Pashinyan, prime ministerial candidate of the “Civil Contract” party, during their dispute: “Why are you alive and not killed instead of our sons?” Such rhetoric, aimed at appealing to mob sentiment, is unworthy of a statesman and serves to deepen political intolerance and social division within the country. Moreover, it contributes to the stigmatization and dehumanization of entire segments of society.
The arrest and pre-trial detention of Artur Osipyan cast a serious shadow over the national elections scheduled for June 7 and risk further eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions, the electoral process, and democratic governance. These developments raise grave concerns regarding the authorities’ commitment to fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and the promotion of civic cohesion in the country.
Read also
Artur Osipyan raised questions to Nikol Pashinyan, the honest answers to which are of significant interest not only to the people of Artsakh but also to society as a whole. These questions reflect a broader public effort to understand the causes and consequences of the tragedies of 2020–2023, as well as the roles played by the political elites of Armenia and Artsakh in these events.
It is possible, of course, to arrest individuals who raise difficult and sensitive questions, but such measures cannot eliminate the questions themselves or diminish the public’s demand for answers. These issues cannot be avoided or silenced today, nor will it be possible to do so in the future, as the need for open discussion and clarification remains.
The only viable way forward is a civilized and inclusive dialogue on these issues involving different segments of society. The upcoming national elections provide an important opportunity for such engagement, as they offer significantly broader channels for political forces to communicate with the public. It is our view that a political force which addresses these challenges with sincerity, empathy, dignity, and a commitment to both criticism and self-criticism, including reflection on the recent hardships and tragedies that have affected society, is more likely to gain the trust and support of the electorate. The most important task is to foster a peaceful and calm environment for public discussion of national and state issues. Apparently, peace begins at this level: with the peace of people’s minds and inner state. Those who do not recognize the value of this inner peace are unlikely to contribute meaningfully to broader societal peace, and it is therefore inconsistent to expect that external harmony can be achieved through internal confrontation.
We call on the Armenian authorities to take immediate steps to reduce the current tensions and to create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue on key national issues and challenges, including the recent hardships and tragedies faced by society. An initial step in this direction could be the immediate release of Artur Osipyan from detention and the termination of the criminal proceedings against him. Moreover, we urge the authorities to refrain from the unlawful and disproportionate use of criminal justice measures in the context of the electoral process.
We, the undersigned, remain committed to seeking constructive solutions to the issues raised.
«MediaStep» NGO
«Return to Dizak» NGO
«For the Sake of Hadrut» NGO
«Return to Karvachar» NGO
«Return to Kashatagh» NGO
«Harmonia» Women’s NGO of Shushi
«Tekeyan Cultural Union of Artsakh» NGO
«Stepanakert» Media Club
«Shunch» NGO
«Askerantsiner» Community Development Center NGO
«Center for Support Mothers of Artsakh» NGO
Council of the Revolutionary Party of Artsakh
«I» Educational Fundation
Karmen Martirosyan, journalist
Zaruhi Muradyan, artist
Hakob Tshagharyan, Pilot-in-Command
Tigran Petrosyan, doctor, social activist
Avet Avanesyan, social activist
Vadim Grigoryan, social activist
Kamo Kocharyan, social activist
Gagik Avanesyan, social activist
Hasmik Karamyan, teacher
Zhenya Yengibaryan, journalist
Liana Martirosyan, film director
Gurgen Baghdasaryan, social activist
Meri Grigoryan, doctor
Armine Gasparyan, cultural worker
Gayane Kocharyan, financier
Marina Hovhannisyan, teacher
Venera Baratyan, teacher
Gayane Budaghyan, teacher
Sarin Hayriyan, employee of Eurasia foundation
Svetlana Jalavyan, economist
Emma Savadyan, retired
Vrezh Balasanyan, businessman
Ani Nalbandyan, journalist
Gayane Arstamyan, art scholar
Yana Gabelia Mantasheva, political scientist
Anushik Harutyunyan, folk musician
Armine Hayrapetyan, historian
Anjwuta Poghosjan
Marina Gharakhanyan
Elza Andriyan
Mher Harutyunyan
Karen Shikoyan
Anjela Alaverdyan
Marina Avanesjan
Tsovinar Asatryan
Nune Davtyan
Milada Hovhannisyan
Narine Sargsjan
Lusine Martirosyan, doctor
Tehmine Enoqjan
Roza Khachiyan
Karine Mkhitaryan
Knyaz Melkumyan
Gayane Shagoyan, etnografer
Shushanik Nerkararyan