Negative publications on Naira Zohrabyan prevail

From 11 to 20 November, 2019, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Member of the National Assembly Naira Zohrabyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.

In the specified period, 107 articles were declared, 6 of which was positive, 19 were negative and 82 were neutral.

Negative publications on NA MP Naira Zohrabyan prevail this time. Aram Tamrazyan, a lawyer of former police chief Vladimir Gasparyan’s brother, Karen Gasparyan, thinks that they differently approach the deputies and Karen Gasparyan. He recalled that a video was released of Vardavar 2018, showing that MP Naira Zohrabyan uses violence against a citizen trying to spray her with water in front of the police. Despite it, no proceedings were taken against Zohrabyan, to punish her disrespectful behavior. According to Arman Tamrazyan, this is an obvious demonstration of discrimination: the law was differently applied in case of Karen Gasparyan and Naira Zohrabyan.

A confrontation began between Naira Zohrabyan and “My Step” alliance MP Kristine Poghosyan. Kristine Poghosyan noted in her speech: “Mrs. Naira Zohrabyan, this is not my style, but you made me say it. From this platform, you warn everyone and say who, whom and what may remind. Please live your political life the way, so as not to be ashamed of sitting here, as someone here reminds you of your political path.” Ms. Poghosyan’s response was connected to the words of Mrs. Zohrabyan and her teammate, regarding the LGBT community.

Naira Zohrabyan also suggested conducting Armenian language testing among MPs, which was criticized by MPs of “My Step” alliance.

Criticism over the NA entry and speech of the transgender woman Lilit Martirosyan’s still continues. In the analysis in support of Naira Zohrabyan it is noted: “Why did they conduct a deliberate blackmail and tried to cast doubt on Naira Zohrabyan that she had invited Lilit? If there had been someone else instead of Naira Zohrabyan who could not defend her rights like her, they would have strangled her with the rope of blackmail and slander.”