Armenia High-Tech Minister resigns amid scandal with journalist

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Hakob Arshakyan is resigning amid a scandal involving a journalist, Arshakyan himself broke the news on Wednesday, March 31 on his Facebook page.

On March 18, Arshakyan hit journalist Paylak Fahradyan in one of the cafés in Yerevan, Armenia's capital. The journalist had reportedly approached the minister, who was having lunch with his wife, and asked why he was in a café during working hours. Later, a video showing Arshakyan going up to the journalist and hitting him landed online. Arshakyan later apologized, but also hinted that Fahradyan had used profanity in the presence of his wife.

"Today is my last working day as Minister of High-Tech Industry," Arshakyan said Wednesday.

"As a citizen of Armenia, I consider it unacceptable to use violence by an official against a citizen. We are obliged to move forward towards a society where there is no room for violence. Moreover, as a high-ranking official, a person representing Armenia in the international arena, I am obliged to serve as an example."

He thanked the Prime Minister for trusting him and giving him the opportunity to serve the country and expressed gratitude to his colleagues and fellow Armenians – "both for love and criticism".