At a press conference earlier today, ruling Republican Party Deputy Chair Razmik Zohrabyan answered questions regarding the claims that Haykakan Zhamanak Editor Nikol Pashinyan was physically assaulted in the "Kosh" criminal detention facility. Mr. Zohrabyan, what would you say regarding claims that Nikol Pashinyan has been assaulted in "Kosh’? You have asked that question of a person who spent ten years in those jails and facilities. I know how the criminal world works. Things happen in those places every day – arguments, scuffles. This is especially true at Kosh, a criminal facility.

But everything has been politicized. If someone gets bumped in the shoulder when passing by, it’s immediately turned into a political incident. I think all this talk is a show for publicity purposes. Do you think an investigation is called for? I think one is already being conducted in the facility. If there results warrant a more intensive examination, I believe it will happen. As to the individual in question, he has always taken an arrogant and haughty attitude towards others and used to write some insulting things in his paper. This is not the proper behaviour for a politician. You cease being a political figure when you use such language. He is a representative of yellow journalism.