From 1 to 10 October, 2019, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan’s personality and activities.
35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.
In the specified period, 271 articles were declared, 24 of which were negative, 26 were positive and 221 were neutral.
Positive and negative publications on Anna Hakobyan are almost equal in number. Former deputy director of National Security Service (NSS), Gurgen Yeghiazaryan has criticized Nikol Pashinyan’s and Anna Hakobyan’s visit to the US. He paid attention to the money spent and the results achieved.
Months ago, media reported that a senior State Revenue Committee (SRC) official, Rafik Mashadyan is Anna Hakobyan’s relative. According to media reports, Mr. Mashadyan has made a big bet recently. The state official himself denied the rumours. The news agencies also report that Mashadyan was appointed to the post due to Anna Hakobyan.
According to the news outlets, one of the reasons why Anna Hakobyan is being criticized, is actually her negative attitude towards the press. One of the publications notes: “Remember, how many times Nikol Pashinyan’s family members – his spouse Anna Hakobyan and his daughter Mariam Pashinyan have negatively spoken about the press, turning the conversation to a very low level. Now it may be stated: The attack against “Hayeli” is the result of Nikol Pashinyan’s, Anna Hakobyan’s and also Mariam Pashinyan’s attitude, public statements and posts, and is nothing but a logical continuation of all that.”
According to media, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Anna Hakobyan have become close friends and even had lunch together. Mrs. Simplis Barrow wrote: “Thank you: You are a wonderful woman. Armenia is happy to have you as its first lady.”
“City of Smile” foundation has been active recently: it organized various meetings and events ranging from visits to children with cancer to organizing various concerts. The publications covering these events have been positively assessed.
