April 28, 2026
“The evening related to the torture of Anna Hakobyan the post Does it contradict what I said? I have the impression that it does not contradict. he says: let’s see who can actually torture theoretically and quotes from conventions, reproduces the regulations of the Constitution, etc., and does not say that I am wrong. He’s basically proving me right.” 168․amin a conversation with Member of the Council of Constitutional Reforms, founder and program coordinator of “Union of Informed Citizens” NGO Daniel IoannisyanThis is how he reacts to Anna Hakobyan’s statements.
And Anna Hakobyan called an urgent press conference yesterday accused Daniel Ioannisyan for violating his rights.
Moreover, Hakobyan stated that he is going to file lawsuits against Ioannisyan and not only that. Pashinyan’s wife also asked her legal team to consider the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the “Independent Observer” bloc, with the demand to compensate for the damages caused to the reputation and business reputation of the “My Step” foundation.
And the occasion is the application of “Independent Observer” to the administrative court on April 22, which was based on the charity events implemented by the “My step” foundation. If the administrative court approves the application, the fund faces a fine of up to 6 million drams.
“It is a well-known fact that the name of the “My Step” foundation is associated with the “Civil Contract” party, and accordingly, the activities carried out by the foundation since the appointment of elections should at least become the subject of administrative proceedings,” the “Independent Observer” noted earlier.
Daniel Ioannisyan, referring to the accusations made at the press conference, noted:
“He accused and referred to strange regulations, such as the prohibition of torture, or the right not to be tortured, the prohibition of discrimination, etc., but that is his right. Anyone can refer to any regulation, anyone can appeal to the court, anyone can appeal to law enforcement.”
Was the announcement about initiating a criminal case against you expected, because, being a human rights defender, in any case, you looked at many problems with the authorities, your thinking was similar to theirs, you are included in their Constitutional Reforms Commission, and today you are actually accused of violating the Constitution, we asked the human rights defender.
In response, he remarked: “It seems to me that the perception of some circles is that I am a supporter of the government, because in Armenia you will not find a person who has presented so many crime reports regarding the crimes committed by various representatives of the government.
You will not find one person among 3 million people. There is no one who has filed a crime report to the extent of half of me, regarding the various steps taken by the authorities. In this regard, I feel completely normal that Mrs. Hakobyan is also reporting the crime on my behalf. Of course, it’s his right.”
“Neither I personally, nor the “Independent Observer” have slandered Anna Hakobyan, we have not slandered the “My Step” foundation. We continue to insist on what we say, and in general, let whoever says that the “My Step” foundation is not affiliated with the ruling “Civil Agreement” party throw a stone at me, – this is how the human rights activist responded to our questions about expectations from justice. All that was described: torture, discrimination, obstruction of the right to vote… they can accuse me of piracy with the same success.”
168․amfor earlier clarifications regarding Anna Hakobyan’s statements applied also the office of the “Independent Observer”.
“It is her right, just as it was our right, to record the violation and submit our claim about it,” this is how the representative of the observation mission, Vardine Grigoryan, responded to Anna Hakobyan’s concerns about filing a possible claim.
—
Culture as Social Infrastructure. Announcing the 2026 awardee again
PRESS RELEASE:
Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Avenida de:
Berna 45-A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: Vera Cunha
Phone: (351) 21 782 3658
Email: mailto:[email protected]:
Web: gulbenkian.pt:
The beneficiaries of 2026 have been announced
Welcome to the Armenian Communities Department of the Kulpenkean Foundation with joy
announces the ten beneficiaries of 2026. This year again, modern
those who shape culture consider it as a social infrastructure, an animal
and a breathing network that turns Western Armenian into a moving image, a number
through instruments, music and acting.
The conditions of development in the Armenian global landscape, now again
The grant program remains a vital platform for contemporary creatives.
which use Western Armenian as an effective means of innovative expression.
The projects selected for this round will show how art can bridge
borders, connecting the Armenian Diaspora communities, voices and
the memories.
This year's election represents a wide geographical spread, from Lebanon and
From Armenia to France, Germany, Ghana and the United States of America:
reflecting the global nature of the Western Armenian creative world.
Beneficiaries and projects. • Arman Peshtmaljian: (Armenia/France/USA): 1001 votes. A musical project that explores the global Armenian experience
various vocal expressions. Five new Western Armenian works based on
newly written or creatively translated on modern originals. • Armenian works (US/Group): The words that bring us
dedicate scattered schools. A publication that will be part of a collection, where
each will offer a contribution to the translation and implementation of Western Armenian
an experimental school. • Christopher Adamian, Tamar Jovsepian, Nane Dautean
(USA/Armenia/Group): Anna Boghikian. documentary film. Animated portrait
about the famous contemporary artist Anna Boghikian, whose works are significant
shaped by identity, memory, materiality and culture
discussions surrounding continuity in the world of modern art. • Yakob Manoukian (Lebanon/Armenia): Lebanese Armenian
the voice box. A film that will document the unique sound of the Lebanese Armenian community
panorama and musical heritage, examining whether art and language
how will they reflect their time, and how historical, political and
economic forces shape the direction and forms of expression of art. • Hrand Galemkerian (France/Lebanon): AIRCRAFT. What a project
will present a documentary-Yorinov series to share the Diaspora Armenian
the stories of the communities and bring them to Purch Hamut to tell them again
for Through short video clips, he will spread Diaspora stories that
they mix imaginary and real elements. • Marlene Yetoian (Ghana/Armenia): Language
psycho-geography. A study of the environment and the areas we live in
how they shape perceptions, behaviors and experiences. Testimonial
a hybrid film that approaches language through the prism of psycho-geography. The movie is
examine how language survives when it is deprived of a stable geography, and whether
how it reshapes identity in time and space. • Niagara by Armine Neige Tonoli (France): Twice Traveled. A critical look at the layers of displacement and identity confrontation. A documentary film about the Armenian families of the Rhone Valley in France
participated in repatriation to Soviet Armenia in 1936 and 1947. • Silvina Der Mkrtician (Germany): Languages. research
the book as a way to understand Diaspora and multilingualism. Multilingual, experimental
book m, based on Grigor Peltean's Western Armenian original of the same name. The project combines selected sections on Diaspora and multilingualism
experiential reflections with photographic work. • Serli Khachikoglu (USA): Between Languages. the language of memory. A multi-sensory exhibition and accompanying website that explores
Armenian intergenerational identity, seeing Western Armenian as a care,
language of survival and belonging. A work that is rooted in personal and
in family stories, weaving them into visual art, writing,
through audio and archival materials. • Tsolak Galstyan (Armenia): Embodied language. "Noir"
A trilogy of (noir) style dance films, which is the interior of Western Armenian poetry
it translates power into the language of movement and truth. An interdisciplinary project that
create three short dance films, each inspired by a Western Armenian great
work of a poet. Galust Külpenkean Foundation continues to support these projects
view culture as a fundamental infrastructure. These things will do more than
simply preserving the language. they innovate with language by providing
the lasting connection of Western Armenian with critical thinking, the excellence of art
and a means of friendly communication.
now also|in view provides benefits up to 10,000 euros for each project
for We are eagerly waiting for the implementation of these projects. in front of them
will be presented on digital platforms, exhibitions and
through furniture.
For more information, visit the page, subscribe to the Department
newsletter and follow our Facebook page:
--
Culture as Social Infrastructure. Announcing the 2026 Awardees again
The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is:
pleased to announce the ten awardees of the 2026 in view grants. This:
year's cohort explores the concept of culture as a "social infrastructure" – a
living, breathing network that sustains the Western Armenian language through:
film, digital media, music, and performance. As the global Armenian landscape continues to evolve, the future is also in view
program remains a vital platform for contemporary creators who use Western
Armenian as a dynamic tool for modern expression. The selected projects for this
cycle demonstrate how art can act as a bridge across borders, connecting the
communities, sounds, and memories of the Diaspora and its language. This year’s selection represents a diverse geographical spread, from Lebanon and
Armenia to France, Germany, Canada and the United States, reflecting the global
nature of the Western Armenian creative world. Below is the list of awardees and projects:
• Arman Peshtmaljyan (Armenia/France/USA): 1001 Voices - A music-driven
project exploring the diverse vocalities of the global Armenian experience;
creating five new original works in Western Armenian, based on newly written or
creatively translated contemporary texts. • Armenian Creatives (USA/Group): Those, words that offer to us: dispersed
schools - A publication that will gather a collection of syllabi, project
packets, workbooks, and more wherein each contribution offers a distinct
interpretation of a lesson plan using their research findings as their source
material. A compendium in which each contribution proposes an experimental
school for translating and practicing Western Armenian. • Christopher Atamian, Tamar Hovsepian, Nane Davtyan (USA/Group): Anna
Boghiguian Documentary - A cinematic portrait of the renowned contemporary
artist Anna Boghiguian, whose work has significantly shaped the discourse around
identity, memory, materiality, and cultural continuity in contemporary art. • Hakob Manukyan (Lebanon/Armenia): Armenian Soundtrack of Lebanon - A
film that will document Beirut’s musical trajectory and legacy as it explores
how art and language reflect their times, and how historical, political, and
economic forces, in turn, shape artistic direction and expression. • Hrant Kalemkerian (France/Lebanon): ՕԴԱԲԵՐԻԿ (Otaperig) - The two-part
project will feature a docufictional series using archives, photographs,
letters, oral histories, and stories told within intimate circles to document
stories from Armenian communities worldwide and bring them to Bourj-Hammoud to
be told; and a stopmotion series, which will collect news from the daily lives
of different Armenian communities. • Marlene Edoyan (Canada/Armenia): Psychogeography of Language - A
feature-length hybrid essay film that approaches language through the lens of
psychogeography. It explores how language survives when separated from stable
geography and how it reshapes identity across time and place. • Niagara Arminée Neige Tonolli (France): Those who left twice | Երկու
անգամ մեկնածները - A documentary about Armenian families from the Rhône Valley
in France (Décines, Valence, Vienne) who took part in the repatriation movements
to Soviet Armenia during the campaigns of 1936 and 1947. • Silvina Der Meguerditchian (Germany): Languages | Լեզուներ - A
multilingual, experimental book based on the eponymous Western Armenian text by
Krikor Beledian. The project combines selected fragments and essayistic
reflections on Diaspora and multilingualism with photographic work. • Serli Hachigoglu (USA): Between Tongues: The Language of Memory - An
immersive, multisensory exhibition and accompanying website exploring
intergenerational Armenian identity through Western Armenian as a language of
nurture, survival and belonging. • Tsolak Galstyan (Armenia): “Embodied Language” - An interdisciplinary
cultural production project that will create three short dance films in
cinematic noir style, each inspired by the poetry of a major Western Armenian
poet. By supporting these projects, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation continues to
treat culture as a fundamental infrastructure. These works do more than preserve
the language; they innovate within it, ensuring that Western Armenian remains a
medium for critical thought, artistic excellence, and social connection. The արդ եւս|in view grants provide up to €10,000 in support per project. We look
forward to the debut of these works, which will be shared through various
digital platforms, screenings, and installations over the coming years. For further information please visit: subscribe to our newsletter and
follow our Facebook page:
-END-ՎԵՐՋ-
--
Armenpress: Trump reportedly unhappy with Iranian proposal
A U.S. official said that President Donald Trump is unhappy with an Iranian proposal because it did not address Iran’s nuclear program, according to Reuters.
“He doesn’t love the proposal,” Reuters quoted the U.S. official as saying, referring to Trump.
Earlier in the day, Trump discussed the proposal with his top national security aides. The U.S.-Iran conflict remains in a stalemate with energy supplies from the region reduced.
Iranian sources earlier on Monday said the proposal would set aside discussion of Iran’s nuclear program until the war has ended and disputes over shipping from the Gulf are resolved. Washington has said nuclear issues must be dealt with from the outset.
Work to bridge gaps between the U.S. and Iran has not halted, Reuters reported citing sources from mediator Pakistan.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Israeli president’s plane takes lengthy detour to Kazakhstan after Turkish ai
The plane carrying Israeli President Isaac Herzog took an eight-hour route to Kazakhstan for his two-day visit after Türkiye denied it entry into its airspace, according to Israeli media.
Channel 12 reported that the aircraft followed an alternative route via Europe and Russia to avoid entering Turkish airspace, extending the flight time to eight hours.
In November 2024, Türkiye also denied Herzog permission to use its airspace for a flight to COP29 in Azerbaijan, after which he cancelled the trip, citing “security concerns,” according to TRT World.
Relations between Türkiye and Israel have deteriorated since Israel launched its military attacks in Gaza.
In a social media post on X, Herzog confirmed that he had landed in Astana.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Three M-class solar flares detected on Sun, scientists say
Three M-class solar flares have been detected on the Sun, scientists said.
Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Russian Academy of Sciences, that the flares were observed between 15:23 and 17:07 Moscow time. They were measured at intensities of M1.03, M1.58 and M1.11.
The institute also recorded 12 smaller C-class solar flares around midnight on April 28, it added.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Armenia’s top prosecutor orders major personnel reshuffle
A major personnel reshuffle has taken place within Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office by order of Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan.
According to a press release from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the reshuffle involves multiple departments, including those handling corruption-related cases, crimes against individuals, public security, military prosecution, and regional prosecutor’s offices.
Tigran Yenokyan, deputy head of the Department for Confiscation of Illegally Obtained Property Cases (Stolen Asset Recovery), has been transferred to serve as deputy head of the Department for Crimes Against Public Health.
Verjine Arakelyan has been appointed senior prosecutor in the Department for Oversight of the Legality of Pre-Trial Proceedings within the Anti-Corruption Committee, after serving as senior prosecutor in the Yerevan City Prosecutor’s Office.
Tigran Muradyan has been appointed prosecutor in the Department for Crimes Against Individuals, transferring from the Ararat Regional Prosecutor’s Office. Hranush Mikaelyan has also been appointed to the same department, moving from the Yerevan Ajapnyak and Davtashen Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office.
Gohar Ghukasyan has been appointed prosecutor in the Department for Protection of State Interests, transferring from the Kapan Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office.
Isaiah Abovyan and Narek Mheryan have been appointed prosecutors in the Department for Crimes Against the Constitutional Order, State, and Public Security, transferring from the Yerevan Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office and the Kentron and Nor Nork-Marash Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office, respectively.
In the Yerevan district prosecutor’s offices, several additional changes were made. Narek Topuzyan has been relieved of his position as senior prosecutor of the Ajapnyak and Davtashen Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office. Gevorg Khachatryan has been transferred from the Kentron and Nor Nork-Marash Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office to the Ajapnyak and Davtashen office. Alisa Smbatyan has been appointed prosecutor in the Kentron and Nor Nork-Marash Administrative District Prosecutor’s Office. Arsen Avetisyan has been transferred from the Gegharkunik Regional Prosecutor’s Office to the Kentron and Nor Nork-Marash office.
In the regional prosecutor’s offices, several appointments and dismissals were also made. In Armavir, Arman Nikoghosyan has been appointed deputy prosecutor. Vazgen Abrahamyan, Tigran Vardanyan, and Sevada Adamyan have been appointed senior prosecutors following internal transfers. Harutyun Sargsyan and Gegham Mkrtchyan have been relieved of their positions in the Ararat Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Aristakes Grigoryan has been appointed prosecutor in the Syunik Regional Prosecutor’s Office, and Tatevik Sahakyan has been appointed prosecutor in the Gegharkunik Regional Prosecutor’s Office. Sos Tonoyan has been relieved of his position as senior prosecutor in the Lori Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
In the military prosecution system, Vardan Vardanyan has been appointed prosecutor in the Department for Oversight of Investigations into Especially Important Cases of Crimes Against Military Service in the Military Central Prosecutor’s Office, transferring from the Gegharkunik Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office. Artsrun Khachatryan has been transferred within the same department.
Hayk Movsesyan, prosecutor in the Department for Oversight of the Application of Enforcement Measures of the Prosecutor General’s Office, has been transferred to serve as senior prosecutor in the Kapan Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office.
Vahagn Iskandaryan has been transferred from deputy military prosecutor of the Kapan Garrison to deputy military prosecutor of the Sisian Garrison. Tigran Kotanjyan has been transferred to serve as prosecutor in the Sisian Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office.
Syuzanna Hovhannisyan, a prosecutor at the Ararat Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office, has been relieved of her position.
The reshuffle orders were issued in February, March and April.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Assessment system seen as major police reform boosting professionalism and car
Armenia’s national police force has introduced a comprehensive, multi-stage performance evaluation system designed to assess officers’ professional skills while also driving salary increases and career advancement.
The certification process combines written exams, physical fitness tests, firearms qualification, and a final review of professional knowledge, with results directly influencing pay and promotion opportunities.
Officials describe the system as both a performance evaluation and a reform initiative aimed at strengthening the force’s professionalism and improving officers’ social conditions. Participation spans all age groups, and the process includes strict scoring thresholds, retake rules, and full video recording to ensure transparency.
With thousands of officers already assessed, the program is intended to become a continuous mechanism for professional development, helping build a highly-skilled police force while also encouraging new recruits to join the service.
Tatevik Tevosyan, a member of the certification commission of the police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, told Armenpress that the system is taking shape as an important educational and social reform. It aims both to improve the professional competence of officers and to enhance their social conditions, as salary increases are also tied to attestation results.
Moreover, attestation results will be taken into account in future promotions and other personnel changes. So far, around 5,000 police officers have undergone the attestation process, recording fairly high results.
“The attestation consists of several stages. In the first stage, officers take a test assessing fitness for duty and general knowledge. The minimum passing score is 20 points, while the maximum is 55. The test also includes a psychological component: if the honesty score reaches 10, it is considered a failure; likewise, if the suitability score is 50 or higher, the officer is also considered to have failed,” Tevosyan explained.
The next stage is a physical fitness assessment, during which officers complete standards including a 100-meter run, a 1,000-meter run, as well as pull-ups for men and a set of physical exercises for women. Following amendments to a government decision, all age groups now participate in this stage. The minimum passing score is 8 points.
After successfully completing the physical fitness stage, officers undergo a firearms assessment, during which they perform shooting tasks. The minimum passing score is 15 points for three shots.
The firearms stage is followed by an assessment of professional knowledge, which is the final stage of attestation. It includes a wide range of questions related to police service, covering criminal law, criminal procedure, administrative law, and other areas.
“The grading scale is as follows: 26 points is considered ‘satisfactory,’ from 35 points ‘good,’ and from 45 points ‘excellent.’ Officers holding senior positions also undergo an interview at the final stage,” Tevosyan noted.
The attestation process also provides an opportunity for retakes. If an officer fails the first stage (general knowledge) but successfully passes the other three stages, they may retake the first exam. However, if an officer fails, for example, the physical fitness or firearms stages, they are excluded from the process. In general, failing two exams results in disqualification from continuing the attestation.
To ensure transparency, all stages of the process are video recorded. Following amendments to the government decision, recordings are preserved until the entire process is completed, allowing for objective review in case of appeals.
Attestation also serves as an important motivational factor for police officers. It encourages them to improve their skills and knowledge in pursuit of higher scores, which directly affect salary increases, the official noted.
This process also serves as an incentive for citizens to join the police force.
“As a result, attestation is becoming a continuous process that combines professional development with social improvement, contributing to the formation of a more effective, well-trained, and well-supported police force that serves the state and ensures the safety of its citizens,” Tevosyan concluded.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
Haigazian University Commemorates the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genoci
|
Press Release From: Mira Yardemian Public Relation Director Haigazian University Email:
Haigazian University Commemorates the 111th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
Beirut, April 24, 2026 — Haigazian University solemnly commemorated the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, honoring the memory of the 1.5 million victims while reaffirming its enduring commitment
On the evening of April 24, members of the Haigazian University community gathered in the Mugar Garden for a moving ceremony marked by light, music, reflection, and prayer. In a solemn circle, participants
The commemoration extended beyond remembrance alone. It stood as a collective affirmation of dignity, justice, rebirth, and the enduring moral responsibility to remember. The gathering also honored
The ceremony featured a musical performance by Music Club member Marc Gulgulian, who played Charles Aznavour’s poignant piece
In his address, University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian delivered a powerful reflection on memory, justice, and moral responsibility. “Memory is one of the key instruments of working for justice,”
Emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of remembrance, President Haidostian added, “In remembering the martyrs, we affirm the sacred dignity of every human life, as the cry of the innocent
He further underscored the continued relevance of April 24: “April 24 is not only a date; it is a call to conscience. The same conscience today is called upon to mourn the new forms of denial of the
Highlighting the university’s academic mission, President Haidostian concluded, “This is an academic institution; therefore, a major moral calling we uphold is to teach our community to live for peace Through this commemoration, Haigazian University once again stood not only in mourning, but in witness—upholding truth, advocating justice, and nurturing a legacy of remembrance for future generations.
— Armenpress: Iranian Foreign Minister visits Russia for talks with PutinIran08:39, 27 April 2026
Read the article in: EspañolفارسیՀայերենRussian
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia, where he is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin, the IRNA news agency reported. Araghchi arrived in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on Monday morning. Earlier reports said that the top Iranian diplomat planned to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. A Russian Foreign Ministry official confirmed to TASS that Araghchi would visit Russia “for talks.” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that the Russian president was scheduled to meet with the Iranian minister. Araghchi earlier visited Pakistan and Oman for talks. Read the article in: EspañolفارسیՀայերենRussian
Published by Armenpress, original at Armenian flag raising held in downtown Binghamton (NY)Binghamton Homepage, NY
April 28 2026 Armenian flag raising held in downtown Binghamton BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) -Members of the local Armenian American community gathered in downtown Binghamton to remember the forgotten genocide. A flag raising was held outside of City Hall to commemorate Armenian Genocide Day on April 24th. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915, a series of massacres and starvation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottomans. The persecution led many Armenians to emigrate to America, including the Binghamton area. Bishop Daniel Findykian lead a prayer in English and Armenian and local physician Michael Bogdasarian reflected on the strength and determination of the Armenian people. Local Armenian-American Michael Bogdasarian says, “It’s about the human yearning each of us has for freedom, for justice and for the ability to practice our faith without interference. For that, we thank you for commemorating this day.” Local resident Anahit Indzhigulyan sang an Armenian anthem about the genocide that loosely translates as “My thoughts are flying home.” CLIF Energy Bar’s College Tour is hitting the 607 — |