‘Joxovurd’. Political Figures and Rulers Appear One by One: Discontent with Arayik Harutyunyan Grows

‘Joxovurd’ newspaper reports that on November 2, the play ‘Huzank u Zang,’ staged by German artist Linda Nadji, was presented at Republic Square, causing a storm of reactions in the public and political spheres. There was a scuffle between participants of the project, which combines dance and poetry, and citizens. A young man named Narek Sargsyan even attempted to throw ‘zelyonka’ on the participants of the performance, claiming they were satanists.

The situation escalated when the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports announced that 2.7 million drams had been allocated for this project. A petition has already begun circulating among the Armenian public, demanding the resignation of Minister Arayik Harutyunyan.

Film director Mher Mkrtchyan, the nephew of Frunzik, addressed Minister Harutyunyan, stating, “We had values, but we are quickly losing them. Is this your contemporary art, Mr. Minister? I have remained silent as I considered staying away from filth more dignified. But now, you pose a danger to our nation in your official position. I hope the number of artists not afraid of your position will increase, and one day I will see your resignation.”

Photographer Tzaven Khachikian noted, “When the theater is absent in the city, showmen, little birds, rabiz, political figures, and rulers appear one by one.” Other intellectuals have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the minister.

The youth wing of the ARF has demanded his resignation, giving him until Thursday to comply. Minister Harutyunyan himself has stated that he does not intend to resign, telling the media, “This issue is not on the agenda.”

The topic gained so much momentum that Prime Minister Pashinyan addressed the issue during a Facebook live session. “A new trend has emerged in Armenia, where if someone works outside the creative square, they are labeled as satanists,” said Pashinyan, asking, “Do you know there are pagans in Armenia, people who believe that our national religion is paganism? What should we do about these people? Should we not allow them to live in Armenia? Are we censoring performances? Gradually, we will reach the Inquisition, and we will start burning people at the stake for not believing in certain forces in the right way,” he added, reminding that Tsarents had also written poems outside of censorship, “Should we burn those?” According to him, thoughts should not be boxed in.

For more details, refer to today’s issue of the newspaper.