Rights activist criticizes Pashinyan's conduct during heated exchange with Artsakh woman

Armenian human rights activist Zaruhi Hovhannisyan has criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s conduct during Sunday's public incident in the Yerevan Metro, describing it as exhibiting elements of psychological and gender-based violence.

The incident occurred after a displaced woman from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Armine Mosiyan, declined to accept a map brochure offered by Pashinyan. According to Hovhannisyan, the prime minister responded with raised voice, aggressive gestures and a confrontational tone.

Hovhannisyan stated that such behavior reflects established patterns of gender-based psychological pressure, particularly when a man in a position of authority publicly asserts dominance over a woman. She emphasized that the manner of communication, including shouting and finger-pointing, is as significant as the content of the exchange.

She further noted that the presence of the woman’s child during the incident raises additional concerns, arguing that exposure to such behavior violates a child’s right to a psychologically safe environment.

“The incident goes beyond a political disagreement and enters the realm of children’s rights and protection from degrading treatment,” Hovhannisyan said.

She added that public officials bear a heightened responsibility to model respectful conduct, especially toward individuals affected by conflict and displacement.