I will not restrict my right to speak publicly: Davit Tonoyan issues statement

Former Minister of Defense of Armenia Davit Tonoyan has released a statement, emphasizing that he will not limit his right to address the public openly.

“Following recent media reactions, I would like to clarify several points:

1. Becoming acquainted with the report of the investigative commission established to examine the circumstances of the war broke out on September 27, 2020, as well as with the minutes of the meetings held on August 1 and 2, 2023, in which I participated, is not a ‘whim.’ It is a right granted by constitutional law, and I intend to exercise it, especially considering the ‘trial’ taking place in Baku and the numerous court cases against Armenian servicemen.

The constitutional law stipulates that, if necessary, I may request amendments to the minutes, provide clarifications regarding the commission’s report, and fully substantiate my position.

2. Given the clear legal regulations, the language of “allowing” or “not allowing,” as well as suggestions of possible confidentiality restrictions, is unfounded and unacceptable – particularly in light of the positions I previously held. Moreover, if I, while not holding any official position and being in the status of a detainee within a criminal prosecution, was able to participate in the session of the investigative commission, then how can any restrictions be applied to me today?

As I noted in the book-dialogue “Davit Tonoyan: The Army, Politics and War,” published this September, my decision to take part in the commission’s sessions was not made easily – it was the result of long and serious reflection. Despite my reservations about the true objectives of the commission, I ultimately chose to participate in order to demonstrate to society that I have nothing to hide. And when I was officially informed that the report does not possess the “legal status of a report,” my reservations only deepened.

3. There was a public expectation that the commission’s report would, in some form, be made available in September 2025, on the fifth anniversary of the 44-day war. However, given the concerns mentioned above, I agreed to the preparation and publication of the book-dialogue “The Army, Politics and War,” because I did not wish to limit my right to communicate openly with the public for the sake of others’ non-transparent purposes. I am confident that the book will provide answers to many questions.

4. I expect to receive a substantive reply to my November 25 letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly within a short time. Otherwise, neither I nor, I am sure, the public will understand the true purpose of creating the commission.”