YEREVAN. – The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women demands the resignation of Armenia’s Syunik Region Governor Suren Khachatryan for using violence against a woman. Coalition released a statement and launched signature campaign on Facebook social network.

“Khachatryan slapped businesswoman Silva Hambardzumyan in Armenia Marriot hotel in November. This action received no response from the Government. Moreover, the Governor threatened recently an ecology activist Mariam Sukhudyan during his visit to Kajaran.

It is inadmissible for any civilized society. When a man, especially a government representative, uses violence, while government leaves the action unpunished, it proves that Armenia accepts such phenomenon.

The Coalition condemns all kind of gender violations. We believe that they strengthen the culture of violence and promote violence against women.

We demand that the Governor should resign for his uncivilized behavior,” the statement reads.

To note, Suren Khachatryan slapped Hambardzumyan in the hotel. As a result, Armenia’s National Security Service instigated a criminal case. However, the case was closed.