Yesterday it was officially found out that the ruling Republican Party (RPA) has nominated a 33-year-old lawyer and former television host for the vacant post of Armenia’s human rights ombudsman. Karen Andreasian’s candidacy was also promptly approved by the RPA’s junior coalition parties, making its parliamentary endorsement a forgone conclusion. His candidacy will be discussed and indeed be approved. As they say there is no friend to taste. As it could be expected the government has chosen the worst of the possible options. The problem is not the person of Karen Andreasyan. In this case, it is the typical symbol, which is characteristic to the Armenian political and governmental system. He is the type, who is mildly said ignored by the freely thinking youth and the members of the youth wing of the governmental party are striving for that type of posts. In fact by the election of Karen Andreasyan the government once again shows the notch, which the successful young people should reach for to have progress. That’s what’s needed for a good career. So what was Karen Andreasyan standing out with in order to deserve this prestigious and important post? Why was he entrusted this post? The person wasn’t even a member of any party but was able to gain the trust and sympathy as well as approval of the government by his speeches and attitude. In particular, Andreasyan is famous for decriminalizing the bill on defamation, as a result of which several days ago the opposition Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper had to pay several million AMD. This young man was also allowed to have his individual talk show on TV. During his mostly hilarious editions he was mainly flattering the government. In order to have a better understanding of this young man it is enough to read his self-assessment, which he shared when interviewed by our reporter yesterday. “If anyone is curious I should say that I have worked in local and international non-governmental organizations,” he said. “In recent years I have been in private business and still did human rights advocacy, albeit for money. I’ve never been a member or supporter of any party,” he claimed. What can we say? I’ll die for you if need.
