Interview with Lawyer Norayr Norikyan on the resignation of Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan.
Was the resignation of the Ombudsman strange for you?
No, it was not strange but even expected after the discussion of “The ombudsman’s activities and the violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms” report that took place at the National Assembly in 2014.
Karen Andreasyan has become an enemy among insiders and unacceptable for those who helped him to become the Ombudsman.
I want to emphasize that especially in the last two years his activity was targeted by a number of fundamental institutes and agencies and it was already clear that they were taking steps for getting rid of him.
For me, as a citizen and a person engaged in the protection of human rights, it is insulting that the institute of Ombudsman is so defenseless and actually it itself needs protection.
Moreover, an attempt is done to undermine the significance and the role of this structure in the case when the reports of the Ombudsman should become a major topic of discussion and serious conclusions should be done.
Were the explanations of the Ombudsman’s resignation reasonable?
In my opinion, they were not reasonable as they are just formulated ideas for overcoming the situation. These ideas may be nice but we cannot know their real reasons as in case of other resignations.
How would you describe his activities?
I think his activities were normal. Moreover, in this mess, when he received many blows and could resist to them until this moment, it means he managed to raise the level of his activities to a certain degree. However, I have turned to him several times for protection of some people’s rights and his response was adequate.
What negative steps has Karen Andreasyan carried out?
I would not say negative. Karen Andreasyan and his team just failed to create a strong and efficient system of human rights protection. Otherwise, such a development would be simply impossible. But let’s admit that it was not only his fault. This is our common problem and pain.
What problems does this office continue to face?
The answer to your question is in the answer to the previous question. It is necessary to create a strong and efficient system of human protection to remove all possible cases of human rights’ violation and this institute should be consistent to punish all cases without exception.
