Pashinyan exploits public fear for political gain, ex-ombudsman says

Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of exploiting public fear for political gain, arguing that the concerns of Armenian families are being used as a campaign tool.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday, Tatoyan, who currently leads the Wings of Unity initiative, said he understands the concerns of Armenian mothers, particularly regarding the safety of young servicemen. However, he asserted that these fears are being manipulated ahead of the June parliamentary elections.

“He is not acting to protect families or 18- and 19-year-old servicemen, but to maintain his grip on power,” Tatoyan stated.

While acknowledging Armenia’s real and pressing security challenges, Tatoyan emphasized that these issues cannot be reduced to the question of leadership alone. Instead, he pointed to deeper systemic problems, including the absence of sufficient legal safeguards, the failure to implement international court rulings and the existence of undisclosed agreements affecting national interests.

Drawing on his experience as ombudsman, Tatoyan argued that fear has long been used as a tool to delay decision-making, describing it as a structural issue rather than one tied to any single individual.

“Security is not defined by one person or their hold on power,” he said. “It’s built on international mechanisms, treaties and effective parliamentary oversight.”

Tatoyan also criticized the government’s handling of international legal obligations, noting that decisions by global courts remain unimplemented despite Armenia’s membership in these institutions.

He called for greater transparency and accountability, stressing that the public deserves clear explanations and practical solutions rather than fear-driven messaging.

“The Armenian people deserve not threats, but answers; not promises, but rational solutions,” Tatoyan said, adding that his movement seeks to provide both through a framework grounded in law, international cooperation and support from allies.