The Deaths of So Many Soldiers is Our National Shame: The Cost of the 'Abalotka' Mentality

Facebook user Gagik Aghbalyan has addressed the influence of criminal subculture in Armenia, linking it to incidents of fights, stabbings, and violence among the youth. According to him, for years, notions characteristic of the criminal subculture, such as living by 'panyat' principles, giving 'abalotka', and responding to any dispute with force, have become rooted in society.

“Education is something to be ashamed of. Living with kindness and love is a dangerous thing. Give 'abalotka'. Don’t tolerate if someone has failed,” he wrote, describing what he believes to be the mindset developed in certain circles of society.

Aghbalyan believes that such attitudes are prevalent in various environments, from the sports world to law enforcement and military structures. “The rate of fights and stabbings among young men is a consequence of our criminal 'innocent' desires. The deaths of so many soldiers are our national shame,” he noted.

Aghbalyan expects state institutions to prevent the widespread dissemination of criminal content and to implement strict filters. He is convinced that changing the violence-based mentality requires giving significant attention to education, culture, and the arts.