As AVİM, we previously remarked that there is a political controversy between Pashinian administration and ARF after the “April Revolution”. At the 2018 parliamentary elections, ARF lost its presence in the Armenian parliament. ARF which has strong ties with Robert Kocharian and with previous coalition partners began to criticize Pashinian administration strongly. Armenpress reported that The ARF is convening a rally on May 23rd in Yerevan’s Freedom Square.  Also ARF published an announcement through its media organ, Asbarez.The announcement is as follows:

“For months on end, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has raised its concerns that political intolerance in the country will inevitably lead to divisions and hatred among the people. Unfortunately, this has now become a reality. By causing strains among the population, by characterizing the people as either “black” or “white,” the government’s policy of distinguishing their peers and enemies has already manifested itself.

The long-time chairman of the ARF Bureau, an organizer of the Artsakh Liberation War, Hrant Markarian was attacked by an unruly mob while walking in Liberty Square with his grandchildren.

The authorities’ irresponsible and aggressive calls of intolerance and spreading hate have become part of norm of public behavior. The street mob has already adopted the authorities’ slogans as a rule of conduct.

The oppressor, that does not possess any national or individual values has reared its head and is trying to impose its will on the people. For months, the press and social media platforms have been organized, directed and sponsored antagonistic propaganda against the ARF and its members, giving rise to hostility and hatred.

We assess the threats and aggression aimed at Hrant Markarian and the ARF as a clear, directed action and insidious act against the pan-Armenian family of the ARF. In many instances in the past, we have kept silent in the name of maintaining civic harmony. Perhaps our silence and lack of adequate response have created the false atmosphere of impunity. We will not tolerate this anymore because the aggressive, mob does not representative our society.

We demand that the authorities and law enforcement agencies evaluate the incident in the shortest possible time period, punish the guilty parties to the full extent of the law and put an end to this kind of behavior forever.”