Karen Andreasian, the Ombudsman of Armenia, resigned unexpectedly yesterday, less than three months after accusing individuals linked to the government to conduct a smear campaign against him.
Andreasian’s office announced his resignation in a short statement on his Facebook page. He gave no specific reasons. The Ombudsman for Human Rights has just thanked his staff and expressed the hope that “the protection of human rights will remain a priority for our state and society.”
“There will be no further comment,” the statement concluded.
Andreasian, ombudsman for almost five years, did not respond to telephone solicitations in the hours following the announcement.
For many, this resignation is definitely linked with his recent bitter conflict with several parliamentarians representing the Republican Party (HHK). They attacked Andreasian late October, while presenting to the National Assembly an annual report on the work of his office.
HHK MP Samvel Farmanian launched a particularly virulent attack against Andreasian, calling the report of 500 pages of “sloppy” and “toothless”. Farmanian, who had previously worked as press secretary of President Serzh Sargsyan, accused the defender of human rights wasting taxpayers’ money and ignore the “reforms” implemented by the government.
Galust Sahakian, President of Parliament and senior HHK, had defended Farmanian.
Andreasian had refuted the accusations in Parliament, accusing Farmanian to be controlled by someone. He declined to give names, only explaining that he was not referring to President Sargsyan.
According to the Constitution of Armenia recently amended the next Ombudsman will be elected by Parliament. He or she must be approved by at least three-fifths of its 131 members.
Claire © armenews.com