Statement on the Unacceptability of Public Xenophobic Remarks by Yerevan Council of Elders Member Ani Khachatryan
On March 25, 2025, at approximately 16:23 Yerevan time, during a peaceful protest against tree cutting near the entrance to Yerevan City Hall, Ani Khachatryan — a sitting member of the Council of Elders — gave a comment to the media outlet Factor.AM. In the course of this statement, she made openly xenophobic and discriminatory remarks that demean people based on their citizenship and ethnic origin (in particular — citizens of the Russian Federation and those she referred to as 'Russians'). Such rhetoric fuels hostility, violates the principles of human dignity, and undermines public trust in government institutions. It is especially troubling that these words came from an official representative of the authorities. Below is the full comment made by Ani Khachatryan, along with a transcript.
Case Files
Demands Regarding the Xenophobic Statements of Yerevan Council Member Ani Khachatryan
On March 25, 2025, during a peaceful protest against tree cutting near the Yerevan City Hall, member of the Yerevan Council of Elders Ani Khachatryan made a public statement containing xenophobic, discriminatory, and derogatory remarks targeting individuals based on their citizenship and ethnic origin (specifically — citizens of the Russian Federation and those referred to by her as “Russians”).
Such rhetoric is unacceptable from a public official, violates the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the country’s international human rights obligations, and basic principles of dignity, equality, and inclusive governance.
We, concerned citizens, city residents, and civil society organizations, state the following demands:
1. Public Legal Assessment of the Statements
We demand from the Council of Elders, the Yerevan Municipality, and the relevant competent bodies:
- To issue an official legal and ethical evaluation of Ani Khachatryan’s statements;
- To determine whether the remarks constitute:
- Discrimination based on nationality;
- Incitement of hatred;
- Violation of the ethics of public service;
- Breach of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and Armenia’s international obligations.
2. Accountability and Legal Consequences
If violations are confirmed, we demand:
- The application of appropriate disciplinary measures, up to and including removal from office;
- Referral of the case to the Ethics Committee;
- If legal grounds are found — referral to the Prosecutor’s Office under Article 329 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (incitement of national, racial, or religious hatred).
3. Public Apology and Recognition of Unacceptability
We demand:
- A public official apology from Ani Khachatryan to all those affected by her remarks;
- A formal statement from the Council of Elders condemning xenophobia and discrimination by public officials.
4. Transparency and Public Oversight
We propose:
- An open discussion of the incident at the next session of the Yerevan Council of Elders;
- Ensuring public access to the transcript and video recording of the session where this issue is addressed.
5. Prevention and Systemic Measures
For the future, we demand:
- The adoption of an Ethical Code of Conduct for members of the Council of Elders, with clear enforcement mechanisms;
- The implementation of mandatory training programs for municipal officials on:
- Non-discrimination and inclusive governance;
- Standards of public communication;
- Human rights and professional responsibility.
We firmly believe:
Such conduct from public officials is a challenge to democratic values and social cohesion. It must not go unanswered. We do not seek persecution, but we insist on justice, accountability, and respect for every individual, regardless of their citizenship or background.