The Corruption Prevention Commission has concluded that a Facebook post by Taron Chakhoyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, made in response to accusations on social media, does not constitute a breach of conduct, Factor.am reports.
Chakhoyan wrote: “You don’t throw stones at every barking dog. A dog chasing a car barks too, but that doesn’t mean it can drive. This is in response to why I don’t react to cheap lies about me. A few squeals from busted Dashnaks only prove that every jackal-dog knows its place.”
The official submitted an explanation to the commission, stating that “his social media posts are generally political in nature.” He added that this particular message was a response to lies spread both online and on Public Television.
According to the explanation, “…the post’s content should make it clear that Chakhoyan has no intention of ‘throwing stones’ at anyone. He believes that those who fabricate lies about him won’t tarnish his reputation — ‘a dog running after a car may bark, but it doesn’t mean it can take the wheel and drive.’”
The commission referred to several constitutional articles and concluded that Chakhoyan’s behavior did not pose a risk given the nature of his administrative role. It stated that his office exists to support the work of the government, the prime minister, and the deputy prime ministers.
“…The commission notes that individuals in administrative positions are not automatically considered political figures unless they engage in political activity beyond their official role. According to his biography on the government’s official website, Mr. Chakhoyan is nonpartisan. Therefore, the commission finds that he cannot be classified as a political figure,” the decision reads.
At the same time, the commission acknowledged that the terms “busted Dashnak,” “squeals,” and “jackal-dog” used in the post may be viewed as scornful and somewhat offensive. However, it emphasized that the language did not contain explicit vulgarity or grossly inappropriate personal insults.
The commission also noted that the post did not reach a broad audience. It received around 2,000 likes, with only 32 expressing disapproval, and most comments were supportive.
