Avetik Ishkhanyan, an esteemed human rights activist and notable public figure, tragically passed away at the age of 69 on February 16, 2025. Just hours before his death, he asked a relative to share his farewell message on Facebook, poignantly titled “Farewell Speech”. In this heartfelt message, Ishkhanyan expressed profound disillusionment with the state of Armenia and the leadership that he felt betrayed the nation.
In his farewell, he lamented the aftermath of the 2020 war instigated by what he termed a treasonous prime minister. Ishkhanyan reflected on how the events had devastated him personally, diminishing his hopes for a better future for Armenia and Artsakh. He articulated his pain at witnessing the strengthening of a government that had failed its citizens, leaving him feeling helpless and burdened by despair.
Born on February 25, 1955, into a family of intellectuals in Yerevan, Ishkhanyan devoted his life to human rights advocacy. A member of the Karabakh Committee in 1988, he tirelessly campaigned for Artsakh’s liberation and co-founded the Helsinki Committee of Armenia in 1995, cementing his legacy as a relentless critic of political oppression. His commitment to justice identified him as a beacon of hope for many.
In a poignant open letter in October 2023, Ishkhanyan condemned the inaction of ambassadors to human rights abuses occurring under the Armenian government. He accused them of turning a blind eye to the systematic violations taking place, challenging their loyalty to democratic principles. This bold stance highlighted his frustration over the world’s impotence in the face of tyranny, calling for more conscious engagement with Armenia’s political realities.
Towards the end of his life, Ishkhanyan faced persecution for his outspoken opinions, becoming a target of the authorities. In November 2023, he was charged with inciting violence due to his critical social media posts, a blatant attempt to silence his voice. However, his spirit never faltered as he defiantly articulated the correlation between past and present conflicts, declaring, “Death to traitors!” amidst growing tensions.
Ishkhanyan’s final days were marked by both illness and an unwavering spirit, and he ultimately succumbed on February 16, 2025. His tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the vital role of voices like his in shaping Armenia’s future.
Avetik Ishkhanyan, a prominent human rights activist, died on February 16, 2025. He expressed profound disappointment in his farewell message, lamenting the state of Armenian leadership and the consequences of political betrayal. With a life dedicated to advocacy, he challenged human rights abuses and faced persecution for his outspoken stance. His legacy is one of unyielding courage in the fight for justice.
Avetik Ishkhanyan’s life was a testament to the fight for human rights and justice, marked by his relentless advocacy for Armenia and Artsakh. His farewell message encapsulated a deep sense of loss and despair over the political landscape, reflecting both personal and national tragedy. Despite facing persecution in his final years, he remained steadfast in his principles, leaving behind a legacy of courage and integrity that will be remembered by generations to come.
Original Source: armenianweekly.com
