Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has officially entered the political arena, releasing a video message outlining his vision for Armenia’s future.
Tatoyan, who served as Armenia’s Ombudsman from 2016 to 2022, is recognized for his independent stance on civil liberties, government accountability, and the rule of law.
During and after his tenure, he frequently criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the ruling Civil Contract party.
He has accused the government of concentrating power in one political party, weakening oversight institutions, and undermining judicial independence.
In September 2022, he warned that “everything is concentrated in the hands of one political party; all resources of the state serve the interests of the party, and the party is constantly penetrating the state apparatus.”
Tatoyan also openly criticized the government’s handling of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, calling statements that public actions would hinder their return “excuses for inaction.”
He repeatedly highlighted Pashinyan’s management of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, accusing the government of recruiting “like-minded individuals” to deflect responsibility for the defeat and warning that Armenia’s national interests were being sidelined.
In May 2025, he argued that the leadership’s policies risked eroding national identity, memory, and core values, sometimes acting “in sync with Azerbaijani interests.”
In his recent political announcement, Tatoyan emphasized the urgency of political and social unity, warning against forces that aim to limit public choice. “We are being offered only two paths and told everything has long been decided, while indifference and mutual hostility are being sown,” he stated.
Acknowledging that legal work alone is no longer sufficient to bring meaningful change, he said, “I am stepping into politics to use it as a tool to unite people and advance the country, for genuine peace.”
He framed his move as a break from traditional political practices: “This is not about following old rules, but about changing those rules. It is a call for all of us to take ownership of our words, to work for Armenia, to show that independent thought, independent speech, and capable teams exist.”
Tatoyan outlined his vision for a transformed Armenia, calling for the restoration of a fragmented political system, the building of a state governed by law, and the creation of a country of opportunity where success depends on talent and effort rather than connections. He stressed the need for a society united by justice rather than divided by conflict.
“This is not a one-person path,” he said. “We must support each other to walk this path stronger together. We must unite not out of despair, but for hope. We can do this, and therefore we must do it.”
He concluded his message with a direct appeal to citizens: “Join us for your families. Join us for our homeland.”
