Mourad Papazian: If we witness a travesty of justice, I will not hesitate to take the RA authorities to the ECHR

French public figure of Armenian origin Mourad Papazian, who was banned from entering Armenia on July 13, 2022, is challenging the decision of the Armenian authorities in court.

After the court hearing of August 21, he told Alpha News that the Yerevan Administrative Court gave the National Security Services (NSS) two weeks to present the reasons why he was banned from entering his homeland.

“I was looking forward to the hearing on August 21 with agitation. On the night of July 13-14 last year, my ban on entering Armenia left me in despair. I know that this decision was made personally by Nikol Pashinyan, who cannot tolerate that a person from the Diaspora can challenge the policy he is pursuing today.

I have spoken out several times, emphasizing our different opinions over the annexation of Artsakh to Azerbaijan and the opening of Turkey. I strongly condemned the insidious policy carried out by Nikol Pashinyan in order to weaken the Diaspora, who was and is engaged in the struggle for the international recognition of the genocide, for the security of Armenia and the independence of Artsakh. Who benefits from this policy?

I have also been and will remain a devoted figure of our national struggle. Pashinyan came to power waving the flags of freedom and democracy, but then violated all these values and showed authoritarianism by imposing this decision,” Papazian stressed.

According to him, at the hearing, the judge confirmed that the NSS had not submitted their conclusions, and the reason for the ban on his entry to his homeland was not submitted to the court.

“We have been demanding explanations for a year, but they contradicted each other. Of course, there are no reasons. No reasons at all. Nothing but political differences, unacceptable in a democratic country.
I wanted to appear in court in person to defend myself. The lawyers even filed a motion, but the judge rejected it, saying that my safety was not guaranteed.

My safety? Yes, it is true, my security in Turkey and Azerbaijan is not guaranteed, but who in Armenia will undermine the security of a person defending Armenia and Artsakh, the security of a person who defends Armenia but criticizes the regime? It means that I am in such danger in Armenia that the judge will consider that the state is unable to ensure my safety… Therefore, the judge decided that I could participate in the court hearing by video call,” said the plaintiff Mourad Papazian and added that the court decision will be announced in two weeks.

“For the sake of the dignity of Armenia, I want to win this trial and restore my right to return, but if we witness a travesty of justice, I will not hesitate to take the RA authorities to the European Court of Human Rights. See you in two weeks,” Papazian stressed.