Ex-ombudsman condemns deadly shooting in Armenian village

Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has condemned the deadly shooting in the village of Merdzavan, which claimed the lives of Parakar community head Valodya Grigoryan and his police officer friend late last night. He described the incident as a “tragic human loss” and warned that it reflects a dangerous rise in violence.

“Unfortunately, the country is seeing a renewed practice of resolving conflicts through violence,” Tatoyan said in a statement. He added that law enforcement should have closely followed the community’s troubling developments to prevent such a tragic outcome, stressing that “this is the government’s responsibility".

Tatoyan noted the attack happened late at night outside Grigoryan’s home, while his family, including children, were likely inside. He urged a “comprehensive, objective and publicly accountable investigation” into the incident, warning that any lack of transparency would fuel perceptions of politically motivated targeting.

Tatoyan extended condolences to the families of the two victims and wished a speedy recovery to another person injured in the shooting.