Doctoral thesis approval at Russian-Armenian University sparks controversy

A doctoral thesis topic submitted by Andranik Simonyan, Deputy Director of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS), has been approved at the Russian-Armenian University (RAU) in violation of the established academic procedure. The topic was endorsed by the university’s academic council without prior discussion in the Law Institute’s own scientific council and in Simonyan’s absence.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Tuesday, Law Institute Director Marianna Kalashyan described the move as unprecedented.

When asked whether it might set a precedent for future cases, Kalashyan declined to speculate, referring further inquiries to RAU Vice-Rector for Science Pargev Avetisyan. The latter denied any procedural violations, saying that in some cases external experts are consulted in place of internal reviews.

The controversy unfolds amid reports that Simonyan is preparing to run for chairman of the Court of Cassation and is pursuing a doctoral degree in law. The special treatment suggests institutional favoritism, possibly influenced by lobbying from Cassation Court judge and legal scholar Serzhik Avetisyan, the brother of RAU Vice-Rector Pargev Avetisyan.

RAU Rector Edward Sandoyan, who chairs the university’s academic council and authorized the procedural deviation, has declined to comment.