U.S. Embassy defends cultural diversity supporters in Armenia

• Friday, May 25, 05:29

On May 24, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia disseminated a statement, condemning the intolerance and violence against the cultural diversity supporters in Yerevan. The "conservative" youth identify the cultural diversity supporters only with sexual minorities.

In particular, the statement condemns the arson of the DIY club in Yerevan and the vandalism against it.  The statement says that the crime was directed against a group of persons representing sexual minorities.  The violence against any minorities is unforgivable, the statement says.   

The U.S. Embassy points out that provoking violence is forbidden by the Constitution of Armenia. The Embassy calls on the Armenian authorities to display intolerance against the hate crimes committed against the minorities and to defend the country's citizens. The Embassy recalls that all the citizens and foreign guests are equally protected by the Constitution and the laws; therefore, any violence against them must be strongly condemned, and relevant sanctions should be imposed on the law breakers.     

To recall, on May 8 tough guys attacked and burned the DIY club, which was allegedly visited by "non- traditional youth". During the May 21 peaceful procession of the cultural diversity supporters, the procession participants were attacked near the Painters' House, which hosted an exhibition dedicated to the World Day for Cultural Diversity. The police prevented a slaughter but none of the law breakers was brought to responsibility. Nor were those who set the
DIY club on fire.  They were bailed out by Dashnaksutyun Party.