???The chair of Armenia’s National Assembly Defence and Security Committee, Andranik Kocharyan, has drawn widespread criticism after suggesting that his son avoided mandatory military service because he is a “very elite guy.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the ruling Civil Contract MP said, “If you had knowledge at his level, you wouldn’t serve either.”
According to media reports, his son, Levon Kocharyan, defended his PhD dissertation in 2020, which allowed him to bypass military service. He is now said to be working in Armenia’s insurance sector.
Kocharyan’s remarks triggered backlash from activists and political figures, who argued that his comments were discriminatory and implied that those serving in the armed forces are somehow “low-class.”
Among those responding was Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan, also a member of Civil Contract, whose two sons are currently serving in the army. She pushed back against Kocharyan’s remarks, stating that “worthy and bright men serve in the Armenian Army, who choose to fulfill their duty to the homeland also before completing their studies,” adding that she is a “proud mom of two soldiers.”
Civil society voices echoed the criticism. In comments to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, activist Janna Alexanyan said Kocharyan appeared to be “emphasising his privileged and special status,” questioning what such statements signal to ordinary citizens, particularly those from socially vulnerable backgrounds whose sons are required to serve.
“His son cannot be higher than any other soldier,” she added.
Facing mounting criticism, Kocharyan issued an apology on Tuesday, saying his remarks were meant to highlight how Armenian legislation values education and scientific work, allowing some individuals to serve the state through academic contributions.
He also noted that his other son served in the Armed Forces and took part in the Second Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) War.
Previously, Kocharyan has been involved in scandalous exchanges with reporters, at times even targeting female journalists and commenting on their appearance.
