Three employees of Armenia's electric utility pressured to quit over political views

Three employees of Armenia’s national electricity distribution company were pressured to resign due to their political affiliations following the country’s June 7 parliamentary elections, NEWS.am reports.

The report alleges that three experienced workers at the Vardenis branch of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), identified as Vahagn Stepanyan, Gegham Khloyan and Narek Shhoyan, were told by the company management to submit resignation after attending a rally held by the opposition Strong Armenia alliance.

According to the news outlet, the employees participated in the event during their personal time on May 15, when representatives of the opposition alliance visited the town of Vardenis.

NEWS.am reported that shortly afterward, the employees were summoned to a meeting in Yerevan with Arman Smbatyan, ENA’s director of security and oversight, where they were urged to abandon their support for the opposition movement.

The employees rejected the request, arguing that participation in political activities outside working hours is protected under Armenia’s Constitution and did not interfere with their professional duties.

Following the parliamentary elections, the three employees were reportedly called to a meeting with Ara Hakobyan, director of the ENA's  Geghama regional branch, who demanded their immediate resignation.

The report further cited sources who claimed that additional dismissals based on political views could follow within the company.