From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities.
35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.
In the specified period, 795 articles were declared, 166 of which were negative, 17 were positive and 612 were neutral.
Numerous negative articles were published on the Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan. Minister Torosyan was criticized both on Social Networks and in the media after the pictures of the minister without a mask in one of the cafes in Yerevan. Social Network users noted that such a step by the Minister is not a good example for other citizens, and the watchfullness of citizens will be even more weakened.
There are rumors on Social Networks about Arsen Torosyan’s possible resignation. Besides, Arsen Torosyan is considered to be the representative of the WHO in Armenia: “It also turns out that the issue of getting rid of the Minister of Health has even reached the World Health Organization. There are rumors in the government that Arsen Torosyan is, so to speak, an “agent of influence” of WHO in Armenia, and this conclusion is not accidental. Yesterday, when Nikol Pashinyan talked to the head of the WHO, the latter urged him not to dismiss Arsen Torosyan. Will Pashinyan comply with this demand or not, will be clear in the near future, but one way or another, there should be people who are to blame for the failed government, and scapegoats will undoubtedly be found.”
According to the press, the market of medical masks is not controlled and there are many problems related to this sphere. According to the publication: “According to the Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan, the masks should be changed every 3-4 hours, as they accumulate water droplets and dust and become dangerous, creating a beneficial environment for viruses and other microorganisms. Now the question is, where does the citizen, who receives the minimum salary of 68,000 drams, get enough money, in order to afford to buy a few masks a day and live safely?”
