ARF Central Committee in US condemns hate crime in Armenia as more local Dashnak MPs endorse firebombers and encourage anti-gay violence

In a strongly worded statement, US-based ARF Central Committee condemns hate crime in Armenia: "The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee strongly condemns and deplores the recent vandalism and destruction of a business in Yerevan. We also find the incident’s root impetus of homophobia and intolerance as equally reprehensible. We believe that those responsible for this act must be brought to justice based on the letter of the law."

Asbarez reports that similar statements were made by ARF Political Affairs Director Giro Manoyan and veteran activist and Vice-President of Socialist International Maria Titizian. Moreover, reports say that "Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member and chairman of the party’s parliamentary bloc Vahan Hovannesian said that the “ARF has no phobias,” referring to the attack, which was motivated by homophobia."

All is good. However.... "No phobias", Mr. Hovannisian? "Phobia"?.. if you put it in a very mild manner. What about your MPs, i.e. members of the very parliamentary bloc that you are chairing?

Here is the very latest example of more ARF Dashnaktsutyun MPs endorsing anti-gay violence and support firebombers. In an interview with local media, ARF Dashnaktsutyun MP Artur Aghabekyan equates anti-gay attacks with the fight against enemy (Azerbaijan in Karabakh). He says that he is “proud and excited that there are young people who are intolerant” towards gays. He praises and “welcomes young people who do not simply ring the alarm bell but make practical steps in fighting against those who defame our national values and faith”. “With their precise actions, these two young people have shown that there are Armenians who won’t allow anyone to endanger Armenian national identity”. “We supported these young people so that our nation have a proud future”. He said he believes that all MPs from the ruling Republican party would have supported them too. In the same time, he expressed his “deep pain” with the news that leader of Heritage party went to DIY bar to offer his solidarity [Armenia Heritage ['Zharangutyun'] party leader Raffi Hovhannisyan visited DIY after hate crime attack in a show of solidarity]: “this illustrates that such political figure cannot be considered as bearer of national values”.

[...] Մեր հասարակությունը, ինչ-որ իմաստով, այո, բավականին անտարբեր է արատավոր այս երեւույթի նկատմամբ, բայց նաեւ հպարտ ու ոգեւորված եմ, որ կան երիտասարդներ, ովքեր անհանդուրժող են հասարակությունն այլասերող համասեռամոլների, աղանդավորների, այլ շեղումներ ունեցող խմբերի հանդեպ: [...] Լինելով բռնության բոլոր դրսեւորումներին դեմ մարդ, ես ողջունում եմ, որ հայ երիտասարդները ոչ միայն իրենց ահազանգն են հնչեցնում, այլեւ կոնկրետ քայլերով են պայքարում մեր ազգային արժեքներն ու հավատը խարխլող արատների դեմ: Վստահ եմ, որ արդյունքում շահելու է հայ ժողովուրդը, վերականգնվելու է մեր ինքնության կորցրած հատվածը: [...] Այդ երկու երիտասարդները հստակ գործողությամբ ցույց են տվել, որ կան հայեր, ովքեր ոչ մեկին թույլ չեն տալու, որ հայ ժողովրդի ինքնությունը որեւէ անհատ խաթարի կամ վտանգի: Մենք սատարել ենք այդ երիտասարդներին, որ մեր ժողովուրդը հայոց բարձրավանդակում արժանապատիվ ապագա ունենա: [...] Միաժամանակ վստահ եմ, որ այդ երիտասարդների պապերը 131 պատգամավորներից ում էլ դիմեին, բոլորն էլ կստորագրեին այդ միջնորդությունը: Հավատացած եմ, որ Հանրապետական կուսակցությունից բոլորը կստորագրեին: Միաժամանակ խորին ցավ զգացի, երբ տեղեկացրին, որ խորհրդարանական կուսակցություններից մեկի ղեկավարը միջադեպից հետո եղել է համասեռամոլների ակումբում` հավանաբար իր այդ պահվածքով վերաբերմունք ցույց տալու համար: Չեմ կարծում, թե այսպիսի քայլ անող քաղաքական գործիչը կարող է համարվել ազգային արժեքների ժառանգորդ: 

Typical neo-nazi fascist. Add here support of his other colleagues from both ARF and ruling Republican party, you will get the horrifying picture of terror justifiers at the very heart of the state. No wonder, Amnesty International was shocked with official Yerevan response.

[Read also: Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks

Disgraced Armenia MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun Artsvik Minasyan calls for fight against gays as “threat to national security”

ARF Dashnaktsutyun must "send a strong message", or else is tarnished with this "heinous act" (re neo-nazi attack on DIY and Dashnak MP in Armenia supporting hate crime)

MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia]

Unless ARF Dashnaktsutyun addresses the issue of their disgraced MPs who support terrorists and encourage hate crime toward LGBT Armenians, all these good statements will remain insufficient and will not rectify damage done to party’s reputation.

Armenia: Amnesty International shocked by official Yerevan reaction to neo-nazi hate crime attack on DIY bar

Amnesty International: ‘Virulent’ homophobic attacks put South Caucasus activists at risk

18 May 2012

Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan must do more to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, Amnesty International said after a spate of attacks on activists.

Instead of condemning a firebomb attack on a gay-friendly bar in downtown Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, last week, some public officials went on the record making homophobic remarks and condoning violence against LGBTI people.

Meanwhile, on Thursday in neighbouring Georgia, police in the capital Tbilisi did little to prevent an Orthodox Christian group from obstructing a peaceful march by an LGBTI organization to mark the International Day against Homophobia.

“The virulent nature of these recent attacks shows the need for a public dialogue to tackle homophobia throughout the South Caucasus to protect LGBTI people from discrimination,” said John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International.

Yerevan firebomb

On 8 May, self-described “fascists” were caught on tape by a security camera as they threw Molotov cocktails through the windows of a gay-friendly bar in downtown Yerevan.

Police reportedly arrived at the scene 12 hours later to investigate the arson attack.

Two young men were arrested as part of the investigation, but were bailed shortly afterwards by two opposition parliamentarians from the nationalist Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun party (ARF), who condoned the attack, saying it was in line with "the context of societal and national ideology”.

ARF leaders have distanced themselves from the bailout, saying that the parliamentarians acted in their personal capacity, but they have fallen short of publicly calling on their colleagues to apologize for supporting the alleged hate crime.

Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesperson for Armenia’s ruling Republican Party and Parliament Vice Speaker told Hayots Ashkharh newspaper Thursday that, “As an Armenian citizen and member of [the ruling] national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals … completely right and justified…Those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values.”

[For background: read Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks

Also: HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack]

Amnesty International believes this type of official discourse is dangerous, fuels discrimination and undermines the role of human rights defenders.

“The official response to the firebombing in Yerevan is utterly shocking – protecting the human rights of LGBTI people is not a concession, but an obligation under international law that Armenia is a party to,” said Dalhuisen.

***

Homophobia and Transphobia in Tbilisi

On Thursday, a peaceful march in central Tbilisi marking the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia came under attack when a group of Orthodox Christians and members of the “Orthodox Parents’ Union” began insulting and threatening protesters from IDENTOBA, a Georgian LGBTI rights organization.

Orthodox priests were among the counter-demonstrators, who prevented the marchers from continuing to the Georgian Parliament, shouting abuse and throwing punches at the peaceful protesters. Fighting reportedly broke out as the counter-demonstrators attacked marchers, tearing up placards.

A video of the incident shows police intervening once a scuffle broke out between the two groups. Five people were detained – including three of the IDENTOBA protesters – and were released shortly afterwards.

“A hallmark of a tolerant society is allowing peaceful protests to proceed and stopping discrimination in its tracks,” said Dalhuisen.

Public authorities must respect the freedom of expression of all groups without discrimination. This extends to protecting peaceful demonstrators from violent attacks.

“Police in Tbilisi failed to prevent homophobic and transphobic violence from marring the International Day against Homophobia march – they must now investigate what went wrong and implement measures to improve their policing of peaceful demonstrations in future,” Dalhuisen added.
***

Concerns in Baku ahead of Eurovision

LGBTI groups in the neighbouring South Caucasus country of Azerbaijan have also raised concerns about the safety of LGBTI participants in the upcoming Eurovision song contest, which will take place in the capital Baku from 22-26 May.

Azerbaijan decriminalized same-sex relations in 2001, but has so far failed to enact laws that specifically ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and provide effective protection to LGBTI people. Homophobia and transphobia remain rife and little progress has been made to change public attitudes and the discriminatory practices against LGBTI people.

Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks

Absolutely disgusting and outrageous! Pretty much nauseating, in fact.

Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman, MP Eduard Sharmazanov in a statement to local media explicitly supported firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan. [Republican party of Armenia is a member of the European People’s party].

He dubbs terrorist act by firebombers against gay friendly DIY bar a “rebellion” and - echoing ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan - calls it “right and justified” (!!!)

“All those who are trying to protect homosexuals, who are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity. As an Armenian citizen and member of a national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals, who have created a den of perversion in our country and have a goal of alienating the society from its moral values, completely right and justified. And those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values”, said Eduard Sharmazanov.  

Another MP of ruling Republican party Hovhannes Sahakyan similarly supported the attackers and the stance of two MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun who bailed out firebomber and (in case of Artsvik Minasyan) justified the attack. He praised firebombers who made a “practical step” and have not just satisfied with online discussions (!!!).

Որպես քաղաքացի ողջունում եմ այդ երիտասարդներին, նաեւ ցանկացած օրինական միջոցներով ու մեթոդներով բոլոր արատավոր երեւույթների դեմ մղվող պայքարը: Գուցեեւ այս երիտասարդների գործողությունները մի փոքր ավելի կտրուկ ու ագրեսիվ են եղել, սակայն պետք է հաշվի առնել նրանց տարիքը: Այդ տարիքում բոլորս էլ շատ ավելի անկառավարելի եւ հանդուգն ենք եղել: Ինձ համար շատ ավելի կարեւոր է, որ այդ երիտասարդները գիտակցում են իրենց հայ լինելը, զգում են ազգային արմատները եւ չեն հանդուժել, որ ազգայինը խաթարող արատները չափից դուրս դրսեւորում ունենան: Միանգամայն ողջունում են նաեւ ազգային արժեքների պահպանման նախանձախնդիր եւ այս հարթությունում մեր մշտական գործընկեր Դաշնակցության պատգամավորների քայլերը: [...]
Աղանդների ու սեռական շեղումներ ունեցող խմբերի դեմ նույնիսկ շատ ավելի կոշտ միջոցներով է հարկավոր պայքարել, քանի որ այս երեւույթները մեզանից քաղաքացիներ են խլում, հայ մարդուն են այլասերում: Հայ առողջ մարդու հոգեւոր ու զգայական ներաշխարհին, աշխարհընկալմանը խորթ, անընդունելի ու անհանդուրժելի երեւույթների դեմ յուրաքանչյուրս էլ կարող ենք կտրուկ եւ կոշտ դրսեւորումներ ունենալ: Արդյունքը հանցանք թե զանցանք կլինի՝ կորոշի օրենքը: Համենայն դեպս, արատավոր երեւույթների դեմ պայքարը մեզանում չափազանց դրսեւորումներ չի ունեցել, զոհեր չեն եղել: Հասկանալի է, որ այս երիտասարդները ծայրահեղ քայլի են դիմել, բայց նաեւ ողջունելի է, որ գործնական քայլ են կատարել եւ չեն բավարարվել ինտերնետային գնահատականներով: Թեկուզ մարգինալ, բայց այս երիտասարդները նաեւ հայրենասերներ են: 

What is going on in Armenia? Are we seriously moving towards state sponsored fascism? I thought we were moving towards Europe...

And this is happening in a country that made significant contribution to the fight against fascism... In a country that survived the Genocide...

This can no longer be considered as "internal affairs" of Armenia. This is developing into a real threat towards lives and freedom of citizens of Republic of Armenia. Terrorists acts are being justified and encouraged at a very high state level of the Armenian parliament and ruling party. Anti-gay attackers are being effectively proclaimed as 'national heroes’.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country.

Disgraced Armenia MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun Artsvik Minasyan calls for fight against gays as “threat to national security”

[For background: MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia]

Despite statements by prominent ARF-affiliated media outlets, such as Asbarez, The Armenian Weekly, as well as ARF Shant Student Association, condemning attack on DIY bar and homophobic hate crimes in Armenia, ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan continues spreading hate, homophobia and intolerance, calling for fight against gays as “threat to national security”.

In a TV interview with homophobic editor of local Aravot daily Aram Abrahamyan, ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan called for fight against ‘spreading of homosexuality': "At the very least, all of us should keep our children and those around us away from it. This is really a matter of national security."

Արծվիկ Մինասյանի դիտարկմամբ` Հայաստանն այսօր ունի հանրայնացող համասեռամոլությանը դիմագրավելու անհրաժեշտություն: «Ամենքս գոնե մեր զավակներին, մեր շրջապատին դրանից հեռու պահելու խնդիր ունենք: Սա իսկապես ազգային անվտանգության խնդիր է»,- նշեց նա: 

It’s time for ARF Dashnaktsutyun - in no uncertain terms - to say: Artsvik, you must go!

In fact, we have yet to hear explanations by another ARF MP Hrayr Karapetyan who reportedly helped in bailing out firebomber too.

Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan are not just members of the party. They are MPs who represent ARF in the parliament.

P.S. Artsvik Minasyan entered Armenia Homophobia Hall of Shame.
***
Relevant reading:
ARF Dashnaktsutyun must "send a strong message", or else is tarnished with this "heinous act" (re neo-nazi attack on DIY and Dashnak MP in Armenia supporting hate crime)
Kaligian: A Matter of Moral Credibility (The Armenian Weekly)
Of Hate Crimes and Intolerance: Lessons Must be Learned (Asbarez)
ARF Shant Student Association Issues Statement on Yerevan Hate Crime (Asbarez)

Underage "fascists" employed for psychological terror towards DIY bar in Yerevan

Underage "fascists" are being employed for psychological terror towards DIY bar, owners and friends.

In the immediate aftermath of arson attack on DIY bar, it became a frequent sight to see group of underage guys hanging out outside the DIY, making hateful remarks, spitting on people, and attacking the venue, its owners and friends.

In this video, made today, two teenagers confessed that they are "fascists", that it was them who burned anti-fascist posters in DIY on 15 May. [They, however, indicated that they had nothing to do with the main firebombing attack]

In an interview with ARF Dashnaktsutyun affiliated Yerkir Media TV station, these underage "fascists" mentioned that they started targeting DIY after the report by Yerkir Media on DIY owner Tsomak participation in Istanbul Gay Pride. Interestingly, Yerkir Media didn't air this interview tonight.

It is obvious - in the video too - that these guys are being used by others. However, it is deplorable to see that teenagers may so easily and proudly confess that they are "fascists", confess that they attack others.

 

Armenian gay rights group from New York - AGLA NY - appalled by terrorist firebombing of DIY bar in Yerevan and offers undying support to LGBT community in Armenia (statement)

For immediate release
May 17, 2012 
Press contact: nancyagabian@yahoo.com 

The Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York is appalled by the terrorist firebombing of DIY bar on May 8 and the subsequent hate crimes against the establishment this past week. We also condemn the proliferation of verbal, Facebook, Youtube and other online attacks lodged against the queer community of Yerevan. Furthermore, we denounce acts of hate speech and threats against anyone in Armenia deemed different or "threatening to society", including artists, intellectuals, and other free-thinkers.

Most despicable are the words and actions of Dashnaksutyun MP Artsvik Minasyan, who financially sponsored the bail for one of the two neo-fascist attackers of DIY and who recently deemed their actions "in accordance with national ideology." In the same interview with Panorama News Agency, Minasyan targeted the manager of DIY, Tsomak Oganesova, stating that "her kind are destroying Armenian society." Such statements may be used to justify violent acts against hundreds if not thousands of peaceful, law-abiding citizens. To date, there has been no official call from Dashnaksutyun or the Armenian government to investigate Minasyan or to take him to task: this is unacceptable. In the meantime, Minasyan is violating Dashnak philosophy and continues to issue egregiously homophobic and harmful statements under their banner. The Armenian Parliament and Dashnaksutyun should reprimand Minasyan, ask him to resign or remove him from office immediately for inflaming conflict and endangering lives.

Today on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, AGLA NY stands in unity with our partnering organizations PINK, the Women's Resource Center, Queering Yerevan, and others to call for tolerance and a renewed commitment to human rights among individuals and institutions, in Armenia and in the diaspora. Most importantly, to the LGBT community in Armenia who are living under dangerous circumstances, we offer our undying support.
***

Founded in 1998, the Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York (AGLA NY) provides a space for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender Armenian-Americans, their partners and their allies to come together as a community. It is a forum which fosters our visibility and strengthens our cultural and ethnic ties to the queer communities and Armenian communities to which we each belong. The purpose of AGLA NY is also to inform both the Armenian and American communities about issues of importance to LGBT Armenians and Armenian-Americans, as well as the larger American community. For more information, visit AGLA NY at http://aglany.org or email info@aglany.org.

Armenia Heritage ['Zharangutyun'] party leader Raffi Hovhannisyan visited DIY after hate crime attack in a show of solidarity

It’s times like this bring the best and worst in people.

[HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack]

Last Friday, in the aftermath of arson attack, concert was held in DIY for people to deliver their messages of support and solidarity with the venue and owners who suffered despicable hate crime.

Big respects to Armenia Heritage [‘Zharangutyun’] party leader Raffi Hovhannisyan, others, activists, artists and all who came to DIY that night to show their support.

Raffi becomes the first and the only so far leader of political party who stood up for values he believes in.

*Video report via CivilNet

ARF Dashnaktsutyun must "send a strong message", or else is tarnished with this "heinous act" (re neo-nazi attack on DIY and Dashnak MP in Armenia supporting hate crime)

It is important to understand that this is much broader attack on freedom and values in Armenia. 

[HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack]

[MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia]

We need more voices like this from Diaspora. Now.

*Letter to The Armenian Weekly: The ARF Should Send a Strong Message

The ARF has been part of my bloodline. I never knew of a time when I wasn’t associated with it. During most of my life, I was involved in it. It is with great pain and distress that I learn that members of the Armenian Parliament, who are ARF members, have bailed out men who attacked a gay bar in Yerevan (or, at least, a bar that is open to the gay community).

There’s only one thing to do, only one possible ethical act that could follow this action: ARF members who are proud to be part of an organization that champions equality and justice must demand the ARF to castigate these members of the organization for the shameful way they acted. Unless that is done, the ARF is tarnished with this heinous act. One cannot in clean conscience rage for equality and social justice while promoting not only homophobia, but active violence against homosexuals. [...]

The ARF must send a strong message. It must send the message that homosexuality is actually part of the Armenian identity, too, just like it is part of the identity of every nation, and of the species and of nature as a whole. The rejection of one tenth of the human population is the stupidest basis for a national identity that could possibly be fathomed. Unless the ARF is willing to send this message, it is tainted, and it should not complain if it is painted with a very wide brush.

Simon Beugekian
Boston, Mass.

Comment of the Day: ‘What if you will be the next target and nobody will stand up for you?’ (re neo-nazi attack on DIY bar)

"There are won’t be any marches in Yerevan. No candle lights, no straight folks walking hand in hand with gays or bi’s in the streets of Yerevan claiming the governments disapproval of such hate crime.

What are they waiting for ? Do they need some dead bodies ? A sensational crime scene decorated by bloodshed … what the hell the Armenian people are waiting for ? Go out ! Shout out, people ! Say “we don’t want bigotery in this country ! We had enough of it !

What ? This issue doesn’t concern you ? What if you will be the next target and nobody will come out to stand up for you ?

Think about it !"

*source: comment posted under Hate Crime Targets Gay Friendly Bar in Yerevan, MPs Bail out Assailants (The Armenian Weekly)

[For background: HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack]

Exposed: Chief of staff of Public Council of Armenia supports neo-nazi firebombers

Hakob Barkhudaryan, chief of staff of Public Council of Republic of Armenia, a consultative body at Armenia president, created a Facebook page in praise of neo-nazi attackers on DIY bar: "In support of firebombers of DIY club", calling for  attackers to be freed of persecution.

One of the main stated purposes of the Public Council of Armenia is "Representation of interests of the Armenian citizens and non-governmental associations in State policy formulation and implementation."

This is truly Scandal of the Day. We all know that this council is pretty much a formality, and there are quite a few openly homophobic members there. But support for terrorists? Unbelievable.

What is the position of the president of Public Council re this matter? What is the position of Armenia president?

The Public Council is led by the President of the Public Council appointed by the President of the republic of Armenia from among the members of the Public Council. [...] 12 out of the 36 members were appointed by the Order of the Armenian President and were tasked with setting up 12 area committees.

We need urgent answers as the consequences of this could be enormously damaging for the reputation of Armenia, suggesting support for neo-nazi and firebombers in the very heart of state structures.

MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia

The day brought about truly scandalous developments. At a press conference (15 May) on hate crimes and recent attack on DIY bar in Yerevan, it was revealed that Armenian MPs from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan bailed out one of the detained arsonists, while the other one was released on signature that he won’t leave the country.

In an interview with Panorama.am, Artsvik Minasyan effectively confirmed the news, saying that he knows the detainees and they are “normal people, normal persons; the investigation will reveal to what extent the violation they committed endangered public safety”.

Որովհետև ճանաչելով այդ երիտասարդներին, գտնում եմ, որ իրենք նորմալ մարդիկ են, նորմալ անձնավորություն են, և դեռ քննությունը կպարզի, որքանով է իրավախախտումը համապատասխանում հասարակության վտանգավորության աստիճանին:

About the owner of DIY bar, Dashnak MP said that “people like Tsomak destroy Armenian society”.

Ծոմակին ես երեկ հեռուստատեսությամբ եմ առաջին անգամ լսել, և համարում եմ, որ նրա տեսակը, կոպիտ բառ չեմ ուզում ասել, ոչնչացնում է հայ հասարակությանը:

He then went on further to justify arsonists, saying they acted in accordance with the "context of our societal & national ideology, in the right way" (!!).

Տվյալ դեպքում ես համոզված եմ, որ այդ երիտասարդները շարժվել են մեր հասարակության և ազգային գաղափարաբանության համատեքստում, ճիշտ ձևով:

Basically, Armenian MP of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan supports and encourages terrorism in Armenia. With such statement, he acted as a pure criminal. ARF Dashnaktsutyun party must explain what's going on or else I'll conclude they support terrorism too.

@onewphoto: [...] I question suitability of bail 4 someone caught on camera firebombing a target in a residential building. Especially given risk of him escaping to Iran. This is high-level connections crap. Bail amount was nothing too. 

@KevorkO: A 'national ideology' that deems thuggery and terrorism more 'normal' than homosexuality is nothing less than degenerate

On Facebook, journalist friend reacted to ARF Dashnak MP support of arsonists against DIY: “ARF has died. Tomorrow is the burial”.

One Dashnak member changed her Facebook profile picture with the one of rainbow colours and “Dashnaks for LGBT rights” written across.

If ARF Dashnaktsutyun won't make clear statements distancing itself from its own MP, then truly this is a death of ARF Dashnaktsutyun as a political party and its transformation into a neo-nazi group that supports and encourages terrorism in Armenia. Needless to say, utterly homophobic too.

Good to see this ARF Dashnaktsutyun-affiliated publication in Diaspora - The Armenian Weekly - writing a decent piece about the incident: Hate Crime Targets Gay Friendly Bar in Yerevan, MPs Bail out Assailants ...while local Yerevan-based ARF-affiliated Yerkir Media TV station resorts to pathetic homophobic rant.

If ARF-affiliated groups and party members worldwide care about the reputation of their party, and - more importantly - the future of Armenia, they should speak up against homophobia. They should demand that ARF makes statement clearly disassociated from their MP’s statement. They should demand that disgraced MP Artsvik Minasyan resign.

New attack on DIY

On 15 May new attack on DIY bar was carried out by reportedly group of 16-18 years old youth. Attackers burned anti-fascist posters in DIY and painted Nazi signs on the wall.

*picture by Lara Aharonian 

The attack was captured by CCTV, and two of the alleged attackers were questioned.

As a friend of mine commented on Facebook, “..hate crime, no public condemnation by authorities, more encouragement by an MP and now repetition of hate crime, do you see the cycle?..”
***
For background: 
HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack
DIY: the moment of attack (CCTV footage)
Please, help re-build DIY !! Your support is essential !!
Statement by NGOs and activists re: neo-nazi attack on DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan + news update


Other relevant posts:
IANYAN: Armenia: In Wake of Arson Attack, Support and Fear

An early morning arson attack on the popular Yerevan-based bar, DIY last week has led to an outpouring of support from concerned citizens, activists and customers who frequented the relatively new establishment, but also anxiously renewed fears in the country’s LGBTQ population, who have kept a relatively low profile and faced discrimination for years. 

DIY, which bills itself as a bar for alternative thinkers, was frequented by many in Armenia’s gay community, a place considered a safe haven, free of judgment or discrimination. The violent act, which caused around $4,000 of damage according to well-informed sources, is being said to have been motivated by nationalistic and fascist ideology – the bar’s gay-friendly atmosphere as well as owner Tsomak Oganesova’s attendance at Istanbul’s Gay Pride Parade in neighboring Turkey have been cited as two key factors that have categorized the attack as a hate crime. [...]

Adrineh’s post raises questions asked by some in Armenia LGBT community: What happens next?... including concerns and fears for lives of LGBT people in Armenia. [Queer-Friendly Yerevan Bar Bombed: What Happens Next?]

"No to Fascism" in Armenia - Picture of the Day

*Yerevan, Armenia [source: Armenian AntiFa Community (A.A.C.)]

Statement by NGOs and activists re: neo-nazi attack on DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan + news update

Many popular online news outlets in Armenia posted our statement (several NGOs and activists) re neo-nazi attack on DIY. Original statement is in Armenian. I will add English version if it becomes available.

In other developments: 2 suspects detained for attacking DIY has been named by police as Iranian Armenian brothers Arame and Hambik. I saw their pictures uploaded by anti-fascist DIY support group on Facebook. Attackers are members of "Dark Ravens Armenia" group. 

More developments to follow. 

***

Read also: 

Please, help re-build DIY !! Your support is essential !!

DIY: the moment of attack (CCTV footage)

HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack

***

Below, our statement via News.am

Մեկ տասնյակից ավելի հասարակական կազմակերպություններ հայտարարություն են տարածել` կապված DIY ակումբի հրկիզման փաստի հետ, որտեղ դատապարտում են ֆանատիկ, ֆաշիստական եւ այլամերժ անօրինական դրսեւորումները:

Հայտարարությունում ասվում է.

«Այս տարվա մայիսի 8-ին, առավոտյան ժամը 05:00-ի սահմաններում մի խումբ երիտասարդների կողմից պայթեցվել է Երեւանում, Փարպեցի 14/11 հասցեում գտնվող DIY ակումբը:  Ըստ տարածված լուրերի, այս նույն երիտասարդները նման քայլեր են կատարել նաեւ Երեւանի այլ ակումբներում, որոնք ըստ իրենց` բազմազանության եւ բազմամշակութայնության կողմնակիցներ են: Խիստ մտահոգիչ եւ դատապարտելի է այն հանգամանքը, որ տվյալ երիտասարդները ներկայացնում են անհանդուրժողական եւ ֆաշիստական խմբավորում, որը մինչ այդ պարբերաբար ագրեսիվ գործողություններ կատարելով` ահաբեկել է ակումբի տերերին ու հաճախորդներին եւ փորձել վախ սերմանել:

Մենք դատապարտում ենք ֆանատիկ, ֆաշիստական եւ ապօրինի բռնի գործողությունները: Հիշեցնում ենք, որ ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 14.1. հոդվածի պահանջով «[...]Խտրականությունը, կախված սեռից, ռասայից, մաշկի գույնից, էթնիկական կամ սոցիալական ծագումից, գենետիկական հատկանիշներից, լեզվից, կրոնից, աշխարհայացքից, քաղաքական կամ այլ հայացքներից, ազգային փոքրամասնությանը պատկանելությունից, գույքային վիճակից, ծնունդից, հաշմանդամությունից, տարիքից կամ անձնական կամ սոցիալական բնույթի այլ հանգամանքներից, արգելվում է»: Իսկ ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 47 հոդվածի համաձայն «Յուրաքանչյուր ոք պարտավոր է պահպանել Սահմանադրությունը եւ օրենքները, հարգել այլոց իրավունքները, ազատությունները եւ արժանապատվությունը: Արգելվում է իրավունքների եւ ազատությունների օգտագործումը […] ազգային, ռասայական, կրոնական ատելություն բորբոքելու, բռնություն կամ պատերազմ քարոզելու նպատակով»:

Նշենք, որ դեպքի հետ կապված` ոստիկանությունը ցուցաբերել է ոչ հետեւողական, անտարբեր մոտեցում հանցագործներին գտնելու եւ պատժելու գործում: Միայն շահագրգիռ անձանց ու կազմակերպությունների հետեւողական ահազանգերի եւ հորդորների արդյունքում հնարավոր է եղել դրդել ոստիկանությանը միջամտողական գործողությունների:

Չնայած այն հանգամանքին, որ ոստիկանությունը ձեռբակալել է հանցագործներից երկուսին, այս հարցի առնչությամբ մենք պահանջում ենք ոստիկանությունից ձեռնարկել համապատասխան միջոցառումներ, հայտնաբերել ու պատժել բոլոր հանցագործներին, ապահովել DIY ակումբի եւ նման հասարակական վայրերի տերերի եւ այցելուների անվտանգությունը, ապահովել վնասների պատշաճ հատուցումը: Հարկ ենք համարում նշել, որ ոստիկանության մոտ առկա են հանցագործության մասին վկայող փաստեր, որի հիման վրա ոստիկանությունը պարտավոր է իրականացնել անհապաղ գործողություններ եւ պատասխանատվության ենթարկել հանցագործներին:

Մենք խստիվ դատապարտում ենք մեր հասարակության եւ պետության համերաշխության ու անվտանգության դեմ սերմանվող նմանօրինակ ֆանատիկ, ֆաշիստական եւ այլամերժ անօրինական դրսեւորումները, կազմակերպություներին ու գործողությունները: Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունում պիտի հաստատվի ՀՀ Սահմանադրական կարգը` հանուն մեր հանրության եւ ժողովրդի ազատության, արդարության, արժանապատվության եւ բազմամշակութային զարգացման»:

Հայտարարությունը ստորագրել են`

Հանրային տեղեկատվություն եւ գիտելիքի կարիք ՀԿ

Կանանց ռեսուրսային կենտրոն ՀԿ

Սեռական բռնության ճգնաժամային կենտրոն ՀԿ

Կանանց աջակցման կենտրոն ՀԿ

Հույս ՀԿ

Հելսինկյան Քաղաքացիական Ասամբլեայի Վանաձորի գրասենյակ ՀԿ

Էկոդար ՀԿ

Հասարակություն առանց բռնության ՀԿ

Մարդու իրավունքների եւ ժողովրդավարության ինստիտուտ

Տարօրինակելով Երեւանը կոլեկտիվ

Լուսինե Վայաչյան – լրագրող

Լեւոն Մարգարյան – լրագրող

Լալա Ասլիկյան – ակտիվիստ

Արթուր Գրիգորյան – իրավաբան

Միկա Արթյան – բլոգեր

Please, help re-build DIY !! Your support is essential !!

Please, help re-build the best, the most creative, alternative, free-spirited bar in Yerevan - DIY!!

An oasis of freedom in Armenia, badly damaged as a result of hate crime: neo-nazi arson attack.

For background - see HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack [CCTV footage: DIY: the moment of attack (CCTV footage)]

Boxes for donations are available in DIY, as well as in a number of other venues in Yerevan, including Calumet, Yellow Street and The Club.

If you wish to help, please, email me and I will advise re ways of support. Thank you!! 

Let's say our firm NO to neo-nazi elements in Armenia. Let's help to re-build DIY.

Your moral and other support to DIY owners and employees are essential too. Please, make your voice heard.

In the meantime, clean-up operation is underway...

*pictures by Nairi Hakhverdi

DIY: the moment of attack (CCTV footage)

For background: HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack

HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack

PICTURES, VIDEO, REPORTS FROM HATE CRIME SCENE

On 8 May 2012 when countries in Europe, former Soviet Union and elsewhere started marking the anniversary of the end of World War II, Armenian neo-nazi elements decided to mark it with an attack towards the oasis of freedom in Yerevan, my favourite venue - DIY bar. A place, where all the alternative types feel at home. A place, welcoming free-spirited people, sub-cultures, experimental things. Gay friendly. [read my previous postings re DIY here]

They broke the window, threw 'Molotov cocktail'-like thing into the front part through the door, which was then exploded and caused flames to burst out, and ran off. It took the firemen around 30 mins to put out the fire.

There's a camera outside the DIY that caught the guys who did it. I saw CCTV video image with a moment of attack and the aftermath. The perpetrators were easily identifiable thanks to CCTV image and previous history of nuisance and disturbances (and not only towards DIY, but some other relatively free-spirited bars). First it was "innocent": just words. But soon it started escalating. The last few incidents involved breaking glass and throwing up outside of the bar. And then they disappeared for a few months. Suddenly they were back again last night (around 5 am). They are members of neo-nazi group terrorising parts of Yerevan for a while now.

It took the police 12 hours (!) to finally show up and take the matters seriously. Good news is that thanks to CCTV image and insights provided by DIY owners and employees, at least 2 suspects have now been detained (at the time of writing this post).

People are being gathering outside the DIY throughout the day. They want to collect money and help to rebuild the bar. People are also making little posters with slogans like: "I am DIY"; "DIY: no to fascism"; "Your bombs don't affect us" etc. which they want to post in DIY and other bars around Yerevan.

As far as the damage: only the front part of the bar was damaged. The back is the same. The front part is pretty damaged, though. The bar has been burned down. The air conditioner melted and is now hanging down. The only thing that survived intact... was a bottle of Kilikia.

I will keep you posted on developments and how you could help re-building the DIY.

*Special thanks to a friend of mine who provided with the up-to-date info and pictures from the scene of the hate crime.

*the shelves behind the bar

*the air conditioner

*burned money stuck on the shelves

*boxes to collect money: "I am DIY"

*poster: "Your bomb does not affect us" 

Video reports


*CivilNet





*A1+

 



*1in.am

Armenian trans Layma on the cover of Turkish LGBT magazine

*Layma from Yerevan, picture by Nazik Armenakyan, issue No. 124 (May-June 2012) of Kaos GL LGBT magazine in Turkey.

PINK Armenia - top 5 Armenian brands on Facebook

Thanks to the info tweeted by @reporter_arm, as per Socialbakers' Facebook Statistics in Armenia, PINK Armenia made it into TOP 5 Armenian brands on Facebook.

Same was true for PINK's e-magazine As You [Ինչպես դու] in the 'media' category.

I shared this info on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, being happy with PINK's achievements.

Fab team. Amazing work. Great friends.

Read also: Together for better

Boys with Attitude - pics of the day

Boys with Attitude is a new dance project by well known gay magazine Attitude. They headlined Attitude's 18th birthday party in central London. My fave picture among those I took during the party is No.3 :))

Bullying in Armenia

If only for the impact that inspired young people from Armenia & elsewhere to open up this [Born This Way Foundation Armenia] and similar pages and share their stories of bullying, bravery, individuality, coming to terms with who they are... Lady Gaga will be remembered with great respect.

CivilNetTV reports: "Bullying is just as common in Armenia as in any Western country where it is taken as a serious issue to be dealt with. Some kids in Armenia are even bullied by their teachers, and yet nobody talks about it."



Apart from above discussion (see video), Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation launch was marked in Armenia too, at PINK Armenia office.