Epress.am News from Armenia
Recent news that Syunik marzpet (regional governor) Suren Khachatryan attacked entrepreneur Silva Hambardzumyan greatly discomforts the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia, according to a Nov. 23 statement issued by this coalition of 7 NGOs.
“Any incident of violence is reprehensible. For this reason the coalition urges the public to be vigilant and to demand the disclosure of all such cases and to monitor the process of a just investigation.
“The violent act by a high-ranking official is particularly objectionable since he is a public figure and has to serve as an example for other citizens.
“The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women expresses its concern on this matter and expects a fair and impartial investigation, as well as urges the press to continue to provide coverage on the case so that the public is informed about cases of violence and follows their course.
“We express hope that those higher-up will respond accordingly to this act, once again reaffirming that the punishment of violence by a high-ranking official is a consistent expression of adopted political will,” reads the statement.
Recall, on Nov. 10, the entrepreneur charged that a mining company owned by Khachatryan misappropriated mining equipment worth more than 100 million drams ($265,000 USD) from a mine belonging to her. Then, on Nov. 14, she asserted that he attacked her as she was leaving a meeting at a Yerevan hotel.
Armenia’s Special Investigative Service has since launched proceedings specified by RA Criminal Code Article 118 (“Battery or committal of other violent acts… is punished with a fine in the amount of up to 100 minimal salaries, or correctional labor for up to 1 year, or with arrest for the term of up to 2 months”).