YEREVAN (A.W.)–The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in December 2011 drafted a petition demanding Syunik Governor Suren Khachatrian’s dismissal from office. Khachatrian had publicly assaulted businesswoman Silva Hambardzumian on Nov. 14 in the lobby of Yerevan’s Marriott Hotel after she accused him of theft.
“[The assault] did not even receive public condemnation from our government,” the coalition said in a statement, adding that Khachatrian had also recently threatened environmental activist Mariam Sukhudyan in public.
“This would be unacceptable in any civilized society. When a man, especially a government official, displays such violent behavior and the government does not at least condemn it or punish it, it is a message to all that violence against women is condoned and an accepted practice in Armenia,” the statement read. “We consider that such acts reinforce a culture of violence and encourage violence towards women, which is so rampant among Armenian families. We ask that the governor be sacked for such uncivilized behavior.”
To sign the petition, visit www.CoalitionAgainstViolence.org.
This is a sad phenomenon in our fatherland Armenia. Mistreating our noble women and going unpunished. Rulers of Armenia, do you realize how far you have gone in tolerating this kind of unethical behaviour thereby identifying yourself with the perpetrator? Stop this shameful macho behaviour! It is not worthy of a civilized people.
While we rejoice in the contributions and triumphs of our people, it is an incredibly sad and shameful experience to read about these type of incidents.
Our women are strength of our people. When you visit Armenia, it is an obvious ray of hope to see the noble women upholding the foundation of our society in a variety of roles.. It sickens me to hear these reports. As our nation advances, we must courageously confront darkness where it exists. Respect is the basis for civility.
We must pray, we must act , we must care.