2022 May 9

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Monday, May/9/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

10 minutes. 2741 words.

mansion man hires lawyers to fight back

[Last week we learned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ujv1gb/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/) that the U.S. authorities decided to confiscate a $63 million California mansion belonging to Gagik Khachatryan, who served as the head of IRS and Finance Minister under Serj administration.

Armenian authorities had been working with the FBI and U.S. Marshals on this case. Khachatryan and Gagik Tsarukyan's associate are suspects in a criminal case in Armenia.

Khachatryan has hired lawyers in the U.S. to fight the confiscation. The lawyers described it as a "baseless attack on business freedoms". Khachatryan denies wrongdoing.

[source](https://factor.am/508589.html)

authorities have prevented $3.6 million in financial abuse in Artsakh

The state has been providing material assistance to individuals and businesses after the war. They regularly check to ensure the applicants submit accurate information.

To this date, as part of the livestock subsidy program alone, the authorities have uncovered and blocked fraud attempts worth ֏1.690 billion.

[source](https://factor.am/508458.html)

anti-corruption: several ARF members are accused of distributing anti-Pashinyan bribes in 2022 and 2021

You may recall the [phone call](https://youtu.be/Mn3VwYybt0s?t=16) published last week, allegedly showing two individuals discussing presumed bribes to the participants of the ongoing anti-Pashinyan street protests. This was reportedly related to the protest organized in front of the Parliament building during last week's session.

The authorities launched an investigation and conducted searches in properties belonging to the suspects, and announced the discovery of other materials that point to similar instances of voter bribery in the past.

ACC reports: As part of the bribery investigation, searches were conducted in the houses belonging to suspects, including ARF's Armavir branch leader A.M.

Handwritten [notes](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236673) were found containing information about bribes distributed to residents during the 2021 parliamentary and municipal elections.

The notes reveal that from June 4 to June 21, they distributed ֏20k bribes totaling ֏6.5 million. The funds came from ARF's supreme body and its provincial branch. ARF ran as part of the HD alliance. Its 2021 election campaign was coordinated by suspect A.M. in Armavir.

The records also reveal bribes distributed during the December 5 municipal elections. A total of ֏3.5 million, with each resident receiving ֏5k-֏20k. Several ARF offices in Armavir and apartments belonging to suspects were also searched. The investigation continues. //

ARF Artsvik Minasyan: We distributed no bribes. Anyone can fabricate "lists". //

Informed Citizens NGO: We have received complaints and video evidence that protesters were given cash to spend the night at France Square. //

[source](https://factor.am/508696.html) [source](https://youtu.be/Mn3VwYybt0s?t=54) [source](https://factor.am/509072.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236673) [source](https://youtu.be/VyvmZ8TFQUg)

Tags: #voterbribe

authorities are investigating a business owner accused of forcing employees to participate in anti-Pashinyan road closures

[Last week we learned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uidosw/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_wednesday/) that several trucks reportedly belonging to a businessman associated with Serj's HHK party were used to close roads and bridges in Yerevan.

The agitated drivers were left stranded, with [one man screaming about fearing for his sick child's life](https://youtu.be/ZoJUmikf9VE?t=93). At the time, a media outlet reported receiving complaints allegedly from the organizers of the blockade, claiming they were forced to participate under the threat of employment termination.

The authorities are investigating a possible violation of article 163.3.2 (forcing a person to take part in protests).

[source](https://factor.am/508467.html)

authorities are investigating an assault involving a mayor during the opposition's road blockade in a province

Investigators: On May 5 the mayor of Zolakar filed a report about sustaining physical injuries. The investigation has revealed that a group of residents had closed the Martuni-Sevan road near Yeranos village, while Zolakar mayor was on his way to Yerevan to greet his relatives. The mayor urged the protesters to open the road. It led to a confrontation. The suspect struck the mayor's nose with his head. //

[source](https://factor.am/508528.html)

opposition held anti-Pashinyan protests in Gyumri; confrontation with relatives of POWs

As promised earlier, parliamentary opposition is driving around provinces to rally their supporters and bring them to Yerevan, in the hope to gather enough crowd to "fully control the situation" in the capital.

The Gyumri rally had to be delayed because the relatives of POWs [closed the road](https://youtu.be/sW1uVmZZ2_4?t=68) to block the opposition's vehicle caravan. They accused the protest organizers of focusing on street struggle instead of efforts to return POWs. The relatives wanted to speak with PU Arthur Vanetsyan, who had earlier claimed to have the ability to return POWs if elected as Premier.

Relative: You hinder the efforts to return my son every time you burn the [Turkish-Azeri] flag on the streets.

ARF Gegham Manukyan: We received this criticism last year so we stopped protesting to give the government a chance. They still haven't returned the POWs.

Relative: They have. They brought hundreds of people last year. Every time they launch efforts, you start burning flags. //

Several vehicles [drove through the crowd](https://youtu.be/sW1uVmZZ2_4?t=265) under the chants of "Nikol traitor". POW relatives began striking the vehicles. The road opened shortly afterward. The opposition proceeded to hold the rally in Gyumri.

HD Vahe Hakobyan: Gyumri is a symbol of Armenian-Russian friendship. The Turks won't be able to take the symbol away from us... We support stable and long-term peaceful relations with our neighbors but it shouldn't be at the cost of Armenia's territorial integrity. //

[source](https://youtu.be/sW1uVmZZ2_4?t=68) [source](https://factor.am/508644.html) [source](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31839724.html) [source](https://factor.am/508687.html)

VIDEO: prosecutors announce charges against a group of opposition activists seen punching elderly men in Gyumri

Prosecutor said they've launched a case for "hooliganism with a damage to person's health" after a video showing a group of young and old men arguing over something on a sidewalk. A young man approaches from behind and [punches](https://youtu.be/rOLJZVQnmmg) one of them. It escalated into a fight. The "victims" are aged 56-84. The alleged attackers were part of the vehicle caravan.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236672) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236693) [source](https://nt.am/am/news/314806/) [source](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/431272) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236697)

opposition held the regular rally in Yerevan's France Square

On Monday the [residentns gathered](https://youtu.be/G-2_ycKkKno?t=74) (~16,000) to listen to speeches and music. Female protesters held a separate march on the weekend.

Organizer ARF Saghatelyan: After coming to power, we will publish the names of 250 professionals who have the skills to manage the country. Who are they? They are around you today, on this stage, and have been fighting against Nikol for 4 years.

We will limit the Premier's powers because this is not a parliamentary system, this is a dictatorial system [cough 2017 COUGH]. There will be no political persecutions. No one will be above the law. We will strengthen the army and diplomacy.

I could explain to you how we plan to accomplish this in detail, but this is not an election campaign. The most important thing now is to remove Nikol Pashinyan. //

Saghatelyan urged followers to encircle government buildings tomorrow and entirely shut down the governing system to remove the government.

[source](https://factor.am/509000.html) [source](https://youtu.be/6KxN6FWKrMo) [source](https://youtu.be/6KxN6FWKrMo?t=8222) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082774.html) [source](https://factor.am/509146.html)

Artsakh will cooperate with Shirakatsi International Scientific-Educational Complex to establish an educational complex

State Minister Beglaryan hosted the delegation led by Ashot Alikhanyan on Saturday. Beglaryan praised the cooperation, calling it a stimulus for the long-term development of the republic.

Artsakh government hosted the staff and students of Shushi Tech University

They discussed the necessity to implement modern standards in public schools and universities. The programs launched before the war will resume.

President Arayik: The foundation of the development of the state is first of all the developed and educated person.

first Artsakh STEM Expo was organized in Martakert, Artsakh

The [educational-tech expo](https://youtu.be/2NUplrwpoCU) was organized with the help of Արցախի երիտասարդ մտքեր NGO and Artsakh gov't. Around 400 students arrived from across the country. The goal was to raise interest in natural sciences, tech, and engineering.

State Minister Beglaryan: This future-oriented event demonstrates our vision for long-term development based on education and science. //

[source](https://factor.am/508464.html) [source](https://factor.am/508472.html) [source](https://factor.am/508743.html) [source](https://youtu.be/2NUplrwpoCU)

basically a mini-TED Talk, but for Armenian high schoolers from provinces

Armenia's Education Ministry and its partner organizations held an event titled Let's Explore and Discover the Word. Hundreds of provincial students from 7-12 classes participated.

YSU: This is an opportunity to promote free thought. Educators who encourage free and analytical thinking make an invaluable contribution to the development of Armenia.

Ministry: Students must know that they are being heard. Each student will give a 10-minute speech. The ongoing reforms of the state education standards are also important steps. This event will promote research, career orientation, and school-university ties.

The students will have an opportunity to have a wide audience to present their research and form networks. The best materials will be published. The students will be given a tour of YSU. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082673.html)

skilled teachers are earning higher base salaries in addition to a 30%-50% raise

The government recently approved changes to raise the base rate for մեկ դրույք from ֏125k to ֏200k "to make the field more competitive". This is for teachers who take a voluntary (may become mandatory later) exam to prove their skills.

If they score 70%-100% on the test, they will earn a higher base salary rate, and an additional 30%-50% raise. The changes went into effect on May 1 and will apply to 478 teachers who have already taken the test.

There is also another "category" scale for teachers. If a teacher is in a higher category, they already earn more. Combined with the aforementioned raise, their salary could reach ֏400k ($860). There is already one teacher earning ֏340k as of this month.

Experts want the raise mechanism to be further amended to include the teacher's popularity among students and the ability to interact with students efficiently.

[source](https://iravaban.net/380287.html) [source](https://factor.am/507717.html) [source](https://civic.am/politics/armenia/30512--200-.html)

ex-Soviet Republics marked the May 9 Victory Day

Putin and Pashinyan congratulated each other on the WW2 victory day. [Here is a documentary featuring](https://youtu.be/UzwT7Jpm_KU) 99-year-old veteran Petros Petrosyan who volunteered to join the army at the age of 17 before being told to "come back when he turns 18". He did, and became an artillery expert. Petros was wounded three times.

Pashinyan: We gave 300,000 casualties during the fight against fascism. 107 Armenians received the title of Hero. Their spirit merged with the spirit of volunteerism and secured our victory during the first Artsakh war. Sadly we were unable to turn it into a political and economic victory, and many fruits of victory were lost. That doesn't mean this is the end. We need a sober and literate analysis of the reasons and pragmatic planning for the future. We must develop Armenia's statehood and ensure the full realization of the rights of Artsakh Armenians. We are moving in a difficult but right direction. //

[source](https://factor.am/508654.html) [source](https://factor.am/508761.html) [source](https://factor.am/508784.html) [source](https://factor.am/508789.html) [source](https://factor.am/508818.html)

QUEST trivia games were held in Artsakh for the first time to raise patriotic youth

Artsakh gov't, Zorats Akumb NGO, and experts from Armenia organized QUEST games. Hundreds of students from 20 schools took part.

Government: To preserve our identity, it is imperative to educate a generation capable of building a bright future and a brighter path. The goal of these intellectual games is to instill patriotism in students, improve knowledge about their country, and their ability to solve tasks. //

Students were asked to accomplish 12 tasks. The winner was the team from Stepanakert's No. 11 school.

[source](https://factor.am/508725.html)

Diaspora Office launches this year's Քայլ դեպի տուն program

Government: Hundreds of young diasporans will have the opportunity to visit Armenia as part of efforts to ensure the preservation of their national identity. They will spend 2 weeks camping, language classes, Armenology lessons, folklore music and dance, museums, etc.

[source](https://factor.am/508651.html)

VIDEO: the army held exercises to capture a hill

The soldiers used the experience gained during the 2016 and 2020 battles.

[source](https://youtu.be/qvXPWS-x2TA) [source](https://youtu.be/QAK45hiuRHE)

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire on Saturday

One of the employees of the Sotk gold mine, located immediately on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, sustained a light wound on his left hand and was taken to Vardenis hospital. The Armenian army returned fire to suppress the ceasefire violation.

The gold mine is operated by a Russian company. Russia's ambassador to Armenia said they want the mine to operate without obstructions.

[source](https://factor.am/508522.html) [source](https://factor.am/508525.html) [source](https://factor.am/509061.html)

Azeri man dies after flipping the Ural truck on a road in Lachin

Azeri MOD denied Azeri reports that it was a military vehicle.

[source](https://factor.am/508879.html)

thousands of trees are being planted in Sevan National Park

All branches of the Park joined the nationwide tree-planting campaign on Saturday. They will plant 5,000 trees.

Separately, the Nature ministry and its partners joined their efforts to plant 8,500 trees in Byurakan as part of a campaign to fight climate change.

[source](https://factor.am/508461.html) [source](https://factor.am/508538.html)

Armenia Square opens in Geneva Canton

The square is located in the Trionex municipality in Switzerland's Geneva Canton, in front of the Armenian St. Hakob Church and cultural center. The Mayor and Armenian ambassador visited the ceremony.

[source](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/08/𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚-𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞-𝐢𝐧𝐚/)

St. Kirakos church reopens in Diyarbakir (Turkey) after 7 years of renovations

Akos newspaper: It's the largest Armenian church in the middle east. Governor Karaloglu, Turkey's Minister of Culture Mermaid Ersoy, and other officials from the ruling party attended the reopening ceremony. //

The 800-year-old church was undergoing repairs after sustaining damages during the 2015 Turkish-Kurdish clashes.

[source](https://factor.am/508897.html) [source](https://news.am/eng/news/700681.html)

update: Yerevan will buy European MAN buses

[Context in May 6 digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ujv1gb/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/). Yerevan municipality and the government will reportedly buy 87 new MAN buses, not 15 as reported earlier. An agreement was signed with Tegeta Motors Holding (Georgia), chosen through an international tender.

The project is done with the support of EBRD bank. A €20 million sovereign loan and €5 million grant from the E5P European eco initiative.

Each bus can transport 94 people and complies with Euro 6 environmental standards. They are adapted for people with disabilities, run on LNG, and have the latest tech.

[source](https://arka.am/en/news/society/yerevan_municipality_to_buy_87_man_buses/)

Pashinyan will visit the Netherlands to meet his counterpart Rutte tomorrow

They will discuss bilateral relations, trade, regional and geopolitical conflicts, and Armenia's progress in the field of democracy and human rights.

[source](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/09/armenian-pm-to-pay-a-two-day-visit-to-the-netherlands/)

Inbound tourism is recovering. Economy Minister presented April stats:

2016: 93k

2017: 116k

2018: 133k

2019: 138k

2020: 0

2021: 42k

2022: 97k

[source](https://factor.am/508715.html)

... and here are the tourism stats for Q1:

2019: 333k

2021: 87k

2022: 251k

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082709.html)

world famous Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell performed in Yerevan Opera on Sunday

He purchased legendary Stradivarius's violin, made in 1713, for $4 million.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082737.html)

The Guardian reviews "We and Our Mountains" by Frunzik Mkrtchyan

4 out of 5 stars. The absurdist Armenian satire thumbs its nose at Soviet Russia. On a remote hillside, far from the swinging 60s, garrulous shepherds exasperate the police in this elegant parable about power and the state.

[read fully](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/09/we-and-our-mountains-review-absurdist-armenian-satire-thumbs-its-nose-at-soviet-russia)

lightning strike kills a shepherd in Gegharkunik

He was herding the livestock in Nerkin Shorzha.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082694.html)

lifeless body of a famous travel show host was found in Debed River

Rescuers were dispatched near the Sanahin station in Alaverdi. Armine Chakharyan had a popular travel show on Shant TV, where she would travel and explore the world.

She drowned after falling from a boat during a rafting trip. The tides were too violent and tilted the boat with 7 people inside. The waters took her 10 kilometers away. The others managed to exit the river.

A few days earlier, a rafting expert had announced a temporary suspension of his group's rafting activities in Debet because of strong currents. The victims either didn't know or ignored the warnings.

Expert: Additionally, you must wear a quality helmet and life vest [no reason to believe the victims did not]. The gear we offer is designed to protect your vital organs during problems that may arise in this river. //

This is the first rafting death here, said an expert. Debet has a category-3 danger. Its levels can increase to 4 meters; only the professionals can handle that.

[video](https://youtu.be/ny0gWoEsryQ) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236680) [source](https://m.shamshyan.com/hy/article/2022/05/09/1213088/) [source](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/431274)

Armenian gymnast Erik Baghdasaryan wins 7 gold medals

International Kutaisi Cup was held in Georgia. Armenia's Junior team returned with 24 medals. The boys won 15 medals (11 gold). Girls won 9 medals (5 gold).

[source](https://factor.am/508498.html)

weightlifter Suren Grigoryan wins silver medal in world junior championship

The 89kg athlete lifted 155+185 kilos.

weightlisfer Garik Karapetyan wins gold in world junior championship

The 96kg athlete lifted 170+200 kilos.

[source](https://factor.am/508628.html) [source](https://factor.am/508746.html)

Q&A with Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan || Nagorno Karabakh negotiations process || 5+6 format || How the documents changed over time to exclude certain terms || The status negotiated by Serj Sargsyan in 2016 || The referendum || Armenia's plans || Peacekeepers & guarantees

[in English](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uk1yz7/qa_with_security_council_chief_armen_grigoryan/)

[in Russian](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArmDailyReports_RUS_/comments/ukvuut/интервью_с_главой_совета_безопасности_арменом/)

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/um0mfi/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/