2026 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellow gather on the Capitol steps with ANCA Programs Director Michael Tatevossian

Summer Interns Advocate for Release of Armenian Hostages and Against Turkey’s F-35 Reintegration During ANCA’s Flagship Leadership Training Program

BY JOSEPH DAGDIGIAN

WASHINGTON — The Armenian National Committee of America is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Leo Sarkisian Internship Program this summer, with this year’s class — the most geographically diverse in program history — now three weeks into an intensive schedule of Congressional meetings and Hai Tahd advocacy in the nation’s capital. Interns hail from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

This year’s Leo Sarkisian interns — Sophene Avedissian, Aren Bandazian, Aram Bavoukian, Jackson Beudjekian, Brandon Zareh Fregenti, Narine Hrihorian, Alec Krikorian, Nicole Mikayelyan, Juliana Panossian, Suren Sargsyan, and Arenie Vartanian — are joined by Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellow Arev Buchaklian for an intensive summer program based in Washington, DC.

“For forty years, the ANCA has empowered the next generation of Armenian American leaders through the Leo Sarkisian Internship and Maral Melkonian Fellowship. As we celebrate this milestone, this year’s interns — from Armenian American communities all across the U.S., from Arizona and Texas to Wisconsin and North Carolina — embody the same passion and purpose that have defined the history of this program,” said Michael Tatevossian, 2026 ANCA Summer Program Director. “Their daily activities, from meetings with Members of Congress to engaging in policy briefings, reflect their deep commitment to advancing the cause for justice.”

Interns have met with Members of Congress and Congressional staff throughout their first three weeks in Washington, pressing lawmakers to demand Azerbaijan’s immediate release of Armenian hostages, who surpassed 1,000 days in captivity in late June. Interns urged Representatives to mark the milestone with statements on social media and the House floor, and joined a Capitol Hill press conference where Reps. Judy Chu, Brad Sherman, Jim Costa, and Laura Friedman renewed calls for the hostages’ release and for accountability for Azerbaijan’s ongoing human rights abuses.

Interns are also engaging Congressional offices in the ANCA’s campaign against the proposed $700 million sale of GE F110 jet engines to Turkey and Turkey’s potential reintegration into the F-35 program. They are building co-sponsors for H.J.Res.200, introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), a Joint Resolution of Disapproval, and encouraging offices to join the bipartisan letter led by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) opposing Turkey’s return to the F-35 program. The advocacy comes as NATO leaders gather this week for the NATO Summit in Ankara.

The ANCA LSI and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship are integral parts of the ANCA’s youth empowerment and professional development efforts, including the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, which helps university students and graduates find internships and permanent positions in Congressional offices and government agencies. The ANCA also hosts the Rising Leaders career development program for university students, the Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy for high school students, and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Days.

Established in 1986 and named in honor of longtime ANCA grassroots leader Leo Sarkisian, the LSI Program has helped launch the careers of hundreds of alumni now serving in government, law, media, public policy, and community leadership.

Armenian Americans can follow the 2026 interns’ summer advocacy on ANCA’s social media pages, join the campaign against Turkey’s F-35 reintegration at online, and demand the release of Armenian hostages by supporting the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act (H.R.5369).

Meet the 2026 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Interns and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellow:

Sophene Avedissian, of Glendale, CA, is a rising sophomore at Stanford University majoring in Political Science. She is active in Stanford’s Pre-Law Society and Women in Law organization, and will hold an executive board position with the Armenian Students Association next year.

“Advocacy and service to the Armenian community have always been extremely important to me. In high school, I participated in the ANCA Summer Academy, where my commitment to and interest in the Armenian Cause solidified. I am excited to be back in the nation’s capital, where I look forward to continuing to develop my advocacy skills and bringing them back to serve my Armenian community as well as Armenians worldwide,” said Avedissian.

Aren Bandazian, of Richmond, VA, is a rising junior at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, studying political science and psychology, and plans to work for the State Department after graduation. A longtime member of the AYF Washington, DC “Ani” chapter, he served as an acolyte and danced with the group at St. James Armenian Church in Richmond.

“I believe the ANCA is crucial for providing diasporan Armenians with a voice. As an intern and member of the ANCA, I am eager to advocate for legislation that strengthens the U.S.-Armenia relationship, protects Armenian sovereignty, and ensures a durable peace in the region,” said Bandazian.

Aram Bavoukian recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies and a minor in English. He serves as Public Relations and Correspondence Coordinator for the Armenian Youth Federation’s New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter, of which he has been a member for twelve years, and sits on the chapter’s Hai Tahd Committee. After attending the ANCA’s 2025 Rising Leaders Program and 2026 ANCA Eastern Region Grassroots Seminar, Bavoukian sought to deepen his engagement with the Armenian Cause through the Leo Sarkisian Internship.

“I’ve always been proud of being Armenian. Combined with an interest in political advocacy and education in media, LSI seemed like a great fit for me as I enter the professional world. I also hope to take this time in DC to grow and to take what I learn to give back to my local Armenian community in New Jersey,” said Bavoukian.

Jackson Beudjekian, of Irvine, CA, is a rising junior who transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study Political Science. Educated at an Armenian school, he has represented the Armenian American caucus at the Statewide Democratic Convention and helped elect ANCA-endorsed candidates in Orange County.

“The ANCA gives a voice to a people that have been typically voiceless in American politics. I decided to participate in the Leo Sarkisian Internship program to help take the advocacy skills and grassroots strategy ANCA promotes back home to help further the Armenian Cause,” said Beudjekian.

Arev Buchaklian is a rising senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Honors College, studying Political Science, International Relations, French, and Public Policy. A member of the AYF Racine “Armen Garo” chapter and the AYF Central Junior Council, she co-founded the Armenian Students Association at UW-Madison and hopes to pursue a career in international or immigration law.

“I admire the way the ANCA continuously works to overcome challenges facing Armenia. I wanted to shift my perspective on my ability to make change. I have struggled with viewing the past, current, and future of the Armenian state as something out of my power and control. I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to learn from the ways the ANCA takes initiative in its position of power to make a meaningful impact on Armenia and the Armenian community. In engaging in this internship as a Maral Melkonian Avetisyan fellow, I hope to honor Maral by living up to the aspirations that she set for herself, her homeland, and her heritage,” said Buchaklian.

Brandon Zareh Fregenti, of Harrington Park, NJ, recently earned a master’s degree in communication studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, NJ. A member of the AYF-YOARF New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter’s executive board and Hai Tahd Committee, he has also danced with Hamazkayin of New Jersey’s Nayiri Dance Ensemble since he was eight years old.

“In March 2026, I had gone to Watertown, MA, for the ANCA Eastern Region’s Grassroots Seminar for three days, and I couldn’t stop thinking about when I took part in the Rising Leaders Program in 2022. This made me realize that advocating for the Armenian Cause had become an even bigger priority for me than it already has. I am grateful to the ANCA for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Leo Sarkisian Internship Program, and for giving me the opportunity to spend six weeks in our nation’s capital to help me gain knowledge of how I can better advocate for the Armenian Cause throughout the halls of Congress and beyond, along with bringing back that knowledge to my home state and AYF chapter,” said Fregenti.

Narine Hrihorian is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Political Science and minoring in French. Originally from Ukraine, she came to North Carolina in 2021 through the Future Leaders Exchange Program and has remained active in both the Armenian and Ukrainian communities in North Carolina. After participating in the ANCA’s Rising Leaders Program in March 2026, Hrihorian returned to Washington, DC for the Leo Sarkisian Internship to continue developing her advocacy and public affairs skills.

“During my time with ANCA, I am excited to further develop the skills necessary to advocate effectively for the Armenian community and for those whose voices are too often overlooked, marginalized, or silenced. My goal is to use this experience to become a stronger advocate and, ultimately, a lawyer who will ensure that others have someone fighting by their side,” said Hrihorian.

Alec Krikorian, of Pasadena, CA, is a third-generation Armenian American and a rising sophomore at Pasadena City College studying Political Science. Educated at Armenian school throughout his life, he hopes to pursue advocacy work in politics, policy, and government.

“I applied to this internship because I was excited to learn from different professionals here in DC, specifically about how they leverage their roles to advance the Armenian cause and advocate for issues that are important to the Armenian community. I hope my experience will help me become a better advocate for Armenian issues,” said Krikorian.

Nicole Mikayelyan, of Dallas, TX, is a rising senior at Texas A&M University majoring in Society, Ethics, and Law with minors in Business and Philosophy. She serves as president of Texas A&M’s Honors Student Council, co-founded the Pan-Honors Freshman Leadership Organization, and helped establish the Armenian Student Association at Texas A&M, where she will serve as vice president next year.

“I applied to the Leo Sarkisian Internship because I wanted to take a more active role in advocating for Armenia through policy and legislation. I’m very grateful to the ANCA for the opportunity to work in the nation’s capital, and I’m really looking forward to contributing this summer,” said Mikaelyan.

Juliana Panossian, a rising senior at Arizona State University and Barrett, the Honors College, is studying Political Science with a minor in Philosophy and certificates in International Relations, Civic Education, and Health Humanities. She serves as president of the Armenian Student Association at ASU, promoting Armenian culture and causes among students across the Phoenix Valley, and has spearheaded fundraisers and events for Armenians in the homeland throughout high school and college.

“I was raised in a proud Armenian household. During the events of 2020, I realized that the words ‘never again’ were not enough. It was my goal and passion to ensure that I don’t sit by while these injustices occur but rather, to be a voice for the Armenian community. In this world, there is no voice too small, and I am incredibly grateful to the Armenian National Committee of America for giving me the opportunity to use my voice to help my people,” said Panossian.

Suren Sargsyan, of Aurora, CO, is a first-generation Armenian American and recent University of Colorado Boulder graduate with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Engineering Management. Active in his local Armenian community since age twelve, he founded and grew the Armenian Student Association chapter at CU Boulder.

“I have found my North Star,” said Sargsyan.

Arenie Vartanian is a rising senior at Marquette University studying public relations and advertising. She joined the Leo Sarkisian Internship to learn more about U.S.-Armenia relations, and plans to pursue a master’s degree before a career as a publicist. After Washington, she will bring what she has learned back to Racine, WI, to continue advocacy work in her local Armenian community.

“I chose this program for a myriad of reasons, the main one being my devotion to advocacy and interest in foreign relations. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to work alongside other young Armenian advocates who care just as deeply as I do about the Armenian Cause,” said Vartanian.

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BY NANE AGAVYAN

For the first time in Glendale’s history, the city’s Police Chief is Armenian American: Robert William. During his 24 years with the Glendale Police Department, William has served in numerous divisions and steadily advanced through the ranks—from police cadet and officer to lieutenant, captain, and deputy police chief—making significant contributions to the department’s growth and development along the way.

His dedication to public service, leadership, and commitment to the Glendale community have earned him widespread respect among colleagues and residents alike.

Robert William’s family immigrated to the United States from Armenia in the early 1990s, but he has held onto his Armenian identity, and speaks the language fluently. “My childhood memories are connected with the city of Masis, where we lived before moving to America. Through the years in the U.S., my family preserved our Armenian identity: we all speak Armenian at home and keep our traditions,” the newly appointed police chief told Asbarez in an exclusive interview.

William’s was nominated as a candidate by the Glendale City Manager and officially approved by the Glendale City Council on June 23. Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, joining the conversation, said William has dedicated decades of his career to serving the city and has a deep understanding of Glendale, its community’s needs, and the challenges it faces.

“Robert has a truly unique background. There are few people who have, in the truest sense of the word, risked their lives for the safety and security of this city. He has played a significant role in shaping the Police Department, and I am confident that under his leadership Glendale will continue to grow and thrive. It was also important for Glendale to have an Armenian police chief, as the city is considered a center of the Armenian American Diaspora,” Kassakhian said.

In his exclusive interview with Asbarez, Chief William reflects on his journey from immigrant to police chief, discusses the values that have guided his career, and outlines his priorities and vision for the future of the Glendale Police Department.

NANE AVAGYAN: Congratulations on your appointment as Glendale’s Police Chief. You have served the Glendale Police Department for 24 years. Looking back, what first inspired you to become a police officer, and what does this appointment mean to you personally?

ROBERT WILLIAM: My story is very similar to many kids my age who immigrated to the United States at a young age. It’s the typical immigrant story. My family came here in the 1990s, and like many families, we didn’t have high income. My siblings and I worked to help and support the family.

I first applied to the police department for a job, but I was too young to be hired. Even then, in my heart, I knew I wanted to become a police officer, so I started volunteering and doing different jobs around the department. My determination never changed. After graduating from high school and starting college, I learned about a position where college students could work as police cadets. I became a police cadet at Glendale Community College, which had its own police department. Soon afterward, I joined the Glendale Police Department as a police cadet. I still remember someone asking me, “Are you ready to become a police officer?” I was. I wanted to serve as a police officer, but I also needed to earn an income to help my parents and support my family. So, at the age of 21, I became a police officer.

Throughout my career, I had the privilege to meet outstanding police officers who became role models. They gave me valuable advice: keep your head down, work hard, and your hard work will take you far. At the time, I never imagined that one day I would become the Chief of Police. Over the years, I was promoted several times, and new opportunities continued to open up. Eventually, the possibility of becoming police chief became real. Even then, I tried not to get distracted by titles. I focused on doing the best job I could every day. I’ve always worked hard for the department and for the community.

This job is not easy. It’s dangerous. I’ve faced my share of dangerous situations, including being shot in the line of duty in 2008. That could have been a turning point in my life. I could have decided the job was too dangerous—especially coming from an Armenian family. My mother wanted me to leave the profession and never put myself in that kind of situation again. But instead of walking away, I made the decision not only to continue but to work even harder. I wanted to become a better officer and a better person. Looking back, that was a defining turning point in my career. Once I made that decision, I committed myself completely.

Over the past 10 years, I have consistently served in leadership roles—as Deputy Chief, Captain, and Police Lieutenant. While serving those positions, my expectations have never changed. The only difference now is that my team has become much bigger. I used to oversee a division of the department; now I lead the entire department. The expectations remain the same, and they’re very clear and straightforward. I tell our officers that I expect them to be proactive, to be visible in the community, and to make sure people see that the Glendale Police Department is serving them. When residents see our officers in their neighborhoods, they feel safer, and that’s exactly what we want.

N.A.: You are the first Armenian to lead the Glendale Police Department. Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia. About ten years ago, there were concerns that the number of Armenian officers in the department did not reflect the size of the city’s Armenian population. Today, the picture looks very different, culminating in your appointment as chief. What changes helped make that possible, and how has the department evolved over the past decade? What message do you hope this sends to young Armenian Americans considering careers in law enforcement?

R.W.: It’s a unique situation because, growing up, I was the only one in my circle of friends who wanted to become a police officer. When I joined the Glendale Police Department, there were only about five or six Armenian officers, and all of them were American-born. I was one of those immigrant kids. Even then, I believed that, over time, we would naturally see more Armenians joining the profession. As new generations grew up and their families learned more about the mission of law enforcement in the United States, they began to understand that policing here is very different from what many people experienced in their countries of origin. It’s a noble profession. It’s a respected profession. You’re not going to become rich, but you can earn a good living, raise a family, own a home, and build a meaningful career.

It took time, but that change happened. More and more Armenians have chosen to enter law enforcement. Today, we have 35 Armenian employees in the Glendale Police Department, including eight women. Some of them, like me, are immigrants. I hope my appointment as Police Chief opens doors for the next generation. I want young Armenian Americans to realize that they can achieve this as well. I hope they see me as someone whose path shows that it’s possible. In fact, many of our younger Armenian officers have already told me that they see me as a role model, and that is incredibly meaningful to me.

N.A.: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Glendale Police Department today? What are your top priorities as chief?

R.W.: One of our biggest challenges is making sure Glendale remains a place where people want to build their careers as police officers. Right now, departments across the country are competing for qualified officers, so recruitment is a challenge. But just as important is retention — making sure the people who come here want to stay. My priority is to invest in our officers, to help them develop professionally and become strong leaders within the department.

Over the past three years, we’ve made significant investments. We’ve added more police officer positions, built a state-of-the-art Real-Time Intelligence Center that uses advanced technology to help solve crimes, purchased a new police helicopter, and acquired a new Mobile Command Post. Now that we’ve made those investments, my focus is on our people. I want to make sure our employees enjoy coming to work and have the support they need to succeed. When officers work in a positive environment, they’re better able to provide exceptional service to the community.

We also work hard to maintain the community’s trust. Transparency is essential, and we strive to keep residents informed and engaged. Our mission statement is built around three simple principles: Protect Glendale. Preserve Trust. Maximize Our Potential. Those are the values that guide everything we do.

From a practical standpoint, when serious crimes occur in Glendale, which fortunately is not often, we’re very successful at solving them. Whether it’s a homicide, burglary, robbery, or another major crime, our detectives, investigative techniques, and technology are highly sophisticated. We do an excellent job identifying and apprehending those responsible.

That said, the issue most residents talk about isn’t violent crime, it’s traffic safety. That’s something people experience every day while commuting to work or visiting family and friends. We all see reckless driving and dangerous behavior on our streets. I’m sure it’s not unique to Glendale, but it’s one of the concerns I hear about most often. As a result, I plan to significantly strengthen traffic enforcement. We need to send a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated. My plan includes expanding our Traffic Bureau and setting clear expectations that traffic enforcement will be a priority for officers throughout the department. Residents can expect to see a stronger police presence on our streets and a renewed emphasis on making Glendale’s roads safer for everyone.

N.A.: What is the crime situation in Glendale today? What do the statistics show?

R.W.: I pay very close attention to our crime data. Every month, I review not only the types of crimes that are occurring, but also the kinds of arrests we’re making. We’re always looking for patterns because once we identify them, we can better allocate our resources to prevent and combat crime. For many years, and even today, there has been a saying in the criminal community: “Not Glendale. Let’s go somewhere else.” I’ve heard it throughout my career. When I was working undercover, I even tried to persuade a drug dealer to come to come sell drugs in Glendale. His response was, “No, let’s not meet in Glendale. Let’s meet somewhere else. The cops there are strict.” I love that fact and that’s a reputation that I want to hold for Glendale.

That doesn’t mean crime doesn’t happen here. During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years immediately afterward, we experienced a significant increase in residential burglaries. Fortunately, we’ve seen those numbers begin to decline. Compared with last year, we’ve lowered those crimes by approximately 40 percent. That success is the result of several factors: we added 22 new police officer positions and deployed those officers into the community, the work of our Real-Time Intelligence Center, and our investment in advanced technology, including our citywide camera infrastructure. It’s well documented that a visible police presence helps deter crime. When officers are actively patrolling neighborhoods, criminals notice. In my opinion, that strategy played a significant role in reducing crime. I’ve also always expected our officers to be proactive. That wasn’t something I started advocating after becoming Chief—it’s a philosophy I’ve carried throughout my career. These tools make it much easier to identify suspects and reconstruct what happened after a crime occurs. As a result, we’re solving more cases, making more arrests, and holding offenders accountable.

N.A.: One of the biggest concerns today is drug abuse, especially among young people. The Glendale Police Department has responded by creating the Substance Abuse and Wellness Resource Program. What prompted the creation of this initiative, what services does it provide, and who can access them? Some people hesitate to seek help because they fear legal consequences or stigma. What would you say to someone who needs assistance but is afraid to reach out?

R.W.: I’m really glad you brought up our Substance Abuse and Wellness Resource Program because substance abuse is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. You’re absolutely right, many people want help, but they’re afraid because of the stigma surrounding addiction or because they worry they’ll be arrested.

The idea for this program came from conversations I had with another captain during the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw substance abuse increasing, overdose deaths rising, and fentanyl devastating families, especially young people. We realized we needed a different approach. As police officers, we have a responsibility to enforce the law and hold people accountable when crimes are committed. But we also recognized that many people struggling with addiction have reached rock bottom and simply don’t know where to turn. Some don’t have family support, and many can’t afford treatment. We asked ourselves, “How can we create an opportunity to help them?” I can arrest someone ten times, but if they’re still struggling with substance abuse, nothing has really changed. If, however, we can connect that person with the right resources and they’re willing to accept help, we have an opportunity to change a life. That’s worth every dollar, every hour, and every effort we invest.

In my career, I often responded to calls in Armenian households where parents desperately asked me to help their children who were struggling with substance abuse. They didn’t want to see their children end up in jail, they wanted someone to guide them toward treatment. At the time, we simply didn’t have a program that could provide that kind of support. Those experiences stayed with me and became one of the inspirations for creating this initiative. In 2022, together with colleagues, I helped launch the Substance Abuse and Wellness Resource Program and I led it. If one of our officers responds to a call involving substance abuse, they now have somewhere to turn. Instead of simply leaving the family without support, the officer can say, “Let me connect you with someone who can help.” Before this program existed, we didn’t have that option.

One of the best decisions we made was bringing civilian specialists into the department. Sona Hovsepyan has truly become the heart of this program. She knows how to work with families in a compassionate way, and people don’t feel intimidated because her role is to help, not to enforce the law. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on community outreach. We work with local schools to educate students and parents, and sometimes the most effective approach doesn’t involve a police uniform at all.

To anyone who is afraid to reach out, my message is this: our goal is to help, not to punish. If you contact us because your child is struggling with addiction, we’re not coming to arrest your child. If illegal drugs are present, we will collect them as evidence, but our primary focus is helping families access treatment and recovery services.

If someone is found committing a crime or possessing illegal drugs in public, they will still be held accountable under the law. But our involvement doesn’t end with an arrest, that’s often where our support begins. Our goal is to help them recover, rebuild their lives, become productive members of the community, and reunite with their families.

N.A.: Homelessness has also become a growing concern in Glendale. What role does the Glendale Police Department play in addressing this issue?

R.W.: The Glendale Police Department addresses homelessness through our Homeless Outreach and Psychological Evaluation Team, which pairs police officers with mental health professionals to work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. Their goal is to connect people with resources, services, and long-term support. As a department, we partner with nonprofit organizations and service providers because our approach is centered on helping people find a path toward stability. We want to connect them with housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and other resources before their situation becomes even more difficult.

Our officers build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. Sometimes they have to contact the same person 10, 15, or even 20 times before that person is willing to accept help. At the same time, we enforce the law. If someone is drinking alcohol in public, openly using drugs, or committing other crimes, we will hold them accountable. If someone begins setting up a tent or constructing a makeshift shelter, we work closely with the City to address the situation quickly and humanely. Our goal is to keep Glendale safe, clean, and welcoming while treating every individual with dignity and respect.

I also think it’s important to address a common misconception. Some people believe that if they call the police because they see a homeless person, we can simply remove that person. That’s not how the law works. A person cannot be arrested simply for being homeless. If they are not committing a crime, they have the same legal rights as anyone else. Part of our job is educating the community about what the law allows us to do. At the same time, I want residents to know that we have dedicated resources, experienced personnel, and a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness.

N.A.: Public trust is critical for every police department. As Chief, what will be your approach to strengthening public trust and ensuring residents feel heard, respected, and safe? How do you envision strengthening partnerships between officers and the community?

R.W.: I believe policing is a two-way street. Public safety can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the police department and the community. People often say we have one of the best police departments because Glendale is one of the safest cities in the country. I would argue that we also have some of the best residents. Glendale is home to a law-abiding community that supports its police department, and when a police department has the trust and support of its community, it can do its job even more effectively.

I don’t like to think of residents as customers. They’re our partners. Public safety isn’t something the police can achieve alone. Sometimes we can solve a problem on our own, but many times we need the community’s help. We need people to call us when they see a crime, report suspicious activity, or simply ask for assistance. The only way that happens is by working together. A big part of my philosophy is building genuine relationships with our residents. We want people to understand what our job is, and we also want them to understand that solving problems is a shared responsibility.

That’s one reason we’ve spent so much time educating the public about immigration enforcement. We know it’s a sensitive topic, and we want our community to understand that the Glendale Police Department does not enforce immigration laws. We don’t want anyone to hesitate to call us, regardless of their immigration status, because they’re afraid they could get into trouble or be detained. We want every resident to feel safe contacting the police whenever they need help or witness a crime.

Over the years, we’ve learned that trust is built through personal relationships. You have to meet people where they are, work alongside them, and open your doors to the community. We strive to be transparent in everything we do. Our website provides information about our programs, policies, and services, and while certain investigations must remain confidential, we operate as openly as possible.

Conversations like this one are an important part of that effort. Today I’m sharing my philosophy and vision for public safety, but residents don’t have to speak just with the Chief. Every officer in our department should be approachable, willing to listen, and ready to engage with the community. We want people to know they’ll be treated with respect and met with professionalism. Our philosophy is simple: be open, be accessible, and build trust. That’s what we expect of every member of the Glendale Police Department, and we hope the community will continue to work alongside us as our partners in keeping Glendale safe.

—

Davit Ishkhanyan

Artsakh’s former Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, who is a serving life sentence in a Baku prison, issued a new message that circulated on Thursday through his family.

Ishkhanyan is one the former Artsakh leaders who was on trial in Azerbaijan on sham charges. They were given long sentences ranging from 20 years to life at the conclusion of the bogus court proceedings.

In the new audio recording Ishkhanyan discusses his and his fellow hostages’ appeals hearing, which are taking place in a Baku court. He also sheds light on their efforts to appeal their cases to international courts.

He called the proceeding “politically motivated” and a sham.

Below is a transcription of his audio recording translated into English.

The so-called “peace” trial continues. As you know, the case is now before the Court of Appeals. We fully understand that this stage is largely procedural in nature and that there is little chance the ruling issued by the court of first instance will be altered.

However, recognizing that the path to international judicial bodies runs through this stage, we filed an appeal. We stated this openly before the court; there is nothing secret about it.

Some defense attorneys have already expressed concern during the hearings that taking a case built on such proceedings and such evidence before an international court would be both difficult and embarrassing for them. They have publicly declared from the courtroom that they do not wish to proceed to an international court under these circumstances only to face defeat.

What happens afterward is another matter.

The court continues to speak of openness, fairness, and justice, yet, as was the case in the court of first instance, there has been no meaningful change.

Last week it was my turn to address the court. I explained why I had appealed to the Court of Appeals. My remarks were nearly identical to the final statement I delivered before the court of first instance. Once again, I emphasized that this is a politically motivated trial that has nothing to do with criminal offenses. It is a trial driven by ethnic identity and national hatred, and the entire process has unfolded in that atmosphere.

I also pointed out that the court of first instance flagrantly violated the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the fundamental principles of human rights and international law.

My remarks were repeatedly interrupted by unwarranted interventions from both the prosecutors and the presiding judge. Nevertheless, I was able to complete my statement and presented, article by article, how the verdict was based on unfounded allegations, defamation, and accusations unsupported by evidence or concrete facts. I demonstrated how provisions of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code had been arbitrarily applied and improperly attributed not only to me, but to all of us. I even remarked that this is not merely a “fabricated case,” but rather a patchwork of disconnected accusations.

For example, a person born in 1993 is accused of participating in military operations that took place between 1991 and 1994. The court claims this was proven during the proceedings, incorporates it into the verdict, and ultimately sentences that individual to 15 years in prison.
As I stated before the court of first instance, I reiterated here that this is a trial directed against the Armenian people and Armenian statehood, pursued with a clearly defined strategy and long-term objectives.

What matters most for us is maintaining sound judgment. We continue our efforts patiently, consistently, and with purpose. Our statements before the court have been dignified.
As for international courts and judicial institutions, the attitude toward them here is one of open contempt. Most troubling, however, is that we are told directly: “If your own authorities are doing nothing and have no interest in securing your return, then what do you expect from international courts? What can they possibly do?”

That is the reality.

Reports are already circulating that the Supreme Court will likely refuse to hear our cases. Efforts are underway to create a prejudicial atmosphere and influence the process through various artificial obstacles. For example, for nearly a year the issue of our legal authorizations has remained unresolved. Since August 2025, neither I nor several of the others have been able to grant powers of attorney to our relatives or human rights advocates.

Imagine that, to this day, defense attorneys still have not been provided with the indictment, the prosecutorial findings, or even a copy of the verdict. Only after repeated requests did the judge rule that defense counsel would be allowed to review the verdict electronically. In other words, they are still not permitted to possess a copy of the document.

I repeat: we continue to make dignified statements before the court, we await the conclusion of this stage, and we will continue to pursue our course with determination.
Everything else is normal.

Take care, and stay strong.

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Statistical methods originally developed for particle physics more than three decades ago now reveal hidden structures across vastly different astronomical scales

YEREVAN – Scientific ideas sometimes have to wait decades for technology to catch up. Statistical algorithms developed at the Yerevan Physics Institute more than 35 years ago for high-energy particle physics are now finding new applications in astronomy and cosmology, revealing hidden structures in stellar populations and the large-scale distribution of galaxies.

This is evidenced by the work completed by the Cosmic Ray Division of the Yerevan Physics Institute and CRD’s head, Professor Ashot Chilingarian, together with CRD’s staff and colleagues.

Professor Ashot Chilingarian has revived and modernized two systems, the Advanced Nonparametric Inference package and the Monte Carlo Statistical Inference methodology, that he originally developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At the time, available computers were simply too slow to exploit their full potential. Today’s powerful processors and the enormous astronomical databases collected by modern sky surveys have changed the situation completely.

During the past two years these classical statistical analysis methods have been adapted to different astronomical problems. In one study, the CRD’s algorithm identified the combinations of chemical elements that distinguish different generations of stars in globular clusters, providing a transparent multivariate alternative to conventional AI machine-learning techniques.

In another, CRD’s statistical analyses algorithm analyzed the three-dimensional distribution of thousands of galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, revealing the local geometry of the “cosmic web”—compact galaxy groups, with elongated filaments, sheets, and vast cosmic voids.

A third study demonstrated that the same mathematical framework reliably reconstructs astronomical structures in realistic simulations, showing that the approach is applicable over an enormous range of spatial scales—from individual stellar systems to the large-scale structure of the Universe.

Although developed long before the current boom in artificial intelligence, ANI follows a philosophy that is highly relevant today. Rather than treating data as a “black box,” it searches directly for statistically significant structures hidden in multidimensional space.

CRD’s algorithms identify combinations of variables that carry physical meaning while remaining transparent and interpretable—an increasingly important requirement in modern scientific data analysis.

The revival of CRD’s ANI analysis package illustrates that scientific progress does not always require entirely new ideas. Sometimes, advances in computing make it possible to realize the full potential of concepts that were developed decades earlier.

Methods originally designed to analyze particle interactions at accelerator experiments are now helping astronomers investigate stellar evolution, galaxy formation, and the architecture of the Universe.

Beyond astronomy and cosmology, the same statistical framework is applicable to genomics, environmental sciences, medicine, finance, and other fields where important information is hidden within large multidimensional datasets.

This work demonstrates that carefully designed statistical inference remains a powerful complement to modern artificial intelligence, particularly when physical interpretation is as important as predictive performance.

References:

• Chilingarian, A. (2025). Intrinsic dimensionality estimation for the galaxy distribution structure analysis. Astronomy and Computing, 53, 100989.
• Chilingarian, A. (2026). Search for the best diagnostics in globular clusters (MRSES approach). Astronomy and Computing, 55, 101047.
• Chilingarian, A. (2026). Total intrinsic dimensionality estimation and reconstruction of astronomical structures. (Astronomy and Computing, recent paper).
• Chilingarian, A. (1989). Statistical decisions under nonparametric a priori information. Computer Physics Communications, 54, 381–390.
• Chilingarian, A. (1992). Dimensionality analysis of multiparticle production at high energies. Computer Physics Communications, 69, 347–359.
• Chilingarian, A. (2004). Nonparametric Methods of Data Analysis in Cosmic Ray Astrophysics: Applied Monte Carlo Statistical Inference Theory.

https://asbarez.com/old-ideas-new-discoveries-armenian-statistical-methods-find-new-applications-in-astronomy-and-cosmology/?fbclid=IwY2xjawS9b9RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEej2VkijV8Ehs1iGvYzKRyDrHHrKL0DQRxDbQtD3DLG5pbWUTGyfkARQCxHWI_aem_IDLlQoX0XdIdSHau-bx-5Q

The parliamentary elections held in Armenia on June 7 will remain in our modern history as elections conducted under unprecedented conditions of state terror.

Throughout the electoral process, the ruling regime acted without restraint, employing every means at its disposal. It made extensive use of administrative resources by mobilizing state and municipal institutions. The full arsenal of propaganda and administrative pressure was deployed to limit political competition and influence the free _expression_ of voters’ will. The government’s use of hate speech and its actions further deepened divisions and polarization within Armenian society.

As a result, for the first time, administrative interference deprived citizens of the Republic of Armenia of their right to vote, while denying a political force its rightful representation in parliament.

The scale and systematic nature of the electoral violations demonstrate the regime’s determination to reduce elections to nothing more than a mechanism for preserving its grip on power.

Furthermore, the failure to remedy electoral violations and the decision to leave them inconsequential for political expediency raise serious doubts about the viability of state institutions and the preservation of constitutional order.

It is now beyond dispute that the current parliamentary majority was formed not through democratic elections, but solely as a result of a biased ruling by the Constitutional Court and the allocation of parliamentary mandates through administrative manipulation.

Another significant factor in these elections was the overt interference and influence of external centers of power and various foreign actors, dealing a serious blow to Armenia’s sovereignty and agency.

Nevertheless, despite the above circumstances, obstacles, restrictions, and pressures, the united opposition secured a substantial share of the vote, thereby demonstrating the current regime’s loss of legitimacy. Although the “official” results provide the authorities with the practical means to reproduce themselves in power, it is evident that the ruling regime is in decline and has lost its legitimacy. The renewed wave of post-election political persecution and repression further evidences this.

Rather than resolving the country’s political crisis, the elections have deepened it. The actions of the ruling regime have intensified the crisis, giving it dangerous domestic and geopolitical dimensions. The authorities’ obsession with retaining power at any cost has undermined national unity, democratic values, stability, and the very viability of the Armenian state.

The current regime continues to target the Declaration of Independence, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the Artsakh Movement, and the very foundations of Armenian identity, everything that has served as the cornerstone of pan-Armenian unity.

Under these circumstances, and in light of the new realities, it is imperative to continue the political struggle with a renewed strategy, greater determination, and increased intensity.
The primary objective is to prevent the ruling regime’s destructive and disastrous policies aimed at the Turkification of Armenia. In this regard, coordinated action among all healthy national forces and broad public unity are of critical importance.

Persistent and unwavering struggle on every front is the only path to success.

Preserving Armenian identity and the imperative of maintaining a national and dignified state must become the foremost priority on the pan-Armenian agenda.

Armenian Revolutionary Bureau
July 9, 2026

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