Ex-ombudsman says Armenian student's detention aimed at intimidating young men

Former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has condemned the detention of school student David Minasyan, arguing that the move is designed to intimidate young people and their families.

Writing on social media on Monday, Tatoyan, who leads the Wings of Unity political initiative, said authorities are using Minasyan’s arrest as a warning against civic or political activity.

He accused the ruling Civil Contract party of prioritizing its grip on power over the rights of citizens. “For Civil Contract, the important thing is the value of power and what is needed to keep it. They need people who live in fear, who are deceived and in that way they maintain their grip on power,” Tatoyan said. “A person has no value for Civil Contract.”

Tatoyan urged Armenians to reject a government acting “like an occupier”. He emphasized that every compatriot is important and valuable, and called for an end to unjust practices. “Justice comes by ending such governance,” he said.