Transparency International Anti-corruption Center in Armenia condemns attack on its representatives

Transparency International Anti-corruption Center, the Armenian National Chapter of Transparency International, strongly condemns a physical attack on its representatives earlier this week and demands an immediate investigation.

In the evening of 5 September a group of about half a dozen unknown assailants in Yerevan attacked Suren Saghatelyan, a board member of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center (TIAC) and Haykak Arshamyan, a member of the Chapter. Arshamyan suffered cuts around his nose and mouth, while Saghatelyan suffered a deep bruise on his head and a broken nose and fingers.

Neither of these two long-time civil activists is affiliated with any political party and they have acted without violating any laws or regulations.

Unfortunately this act of violence was not the first such act committed against members of civil society in Armenia who have protested decisions and steps undertaken by the government in recent weeks.

We suspect these acts of violence are aimed at stopping the growing protest movements against the government.

These acts of violence against us and other NGOs are acts of terror and if they are not investigated and those guilty not punished, then full responsibility for them will rest on the current government.

For any press enquiries please contact

Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Executive Director
Transparency International Anti-corruption Center NGO
T: +37 410 56 99 10
M: +37 4 93539937
E: [email protected]