Criminal Complaint Against Ambassador Anahit Harutyunyan

In this formal email, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, the complainant, Mr. Vahe Aslanyan, accuses Ambassador Anahit Harutyunyan of severe negligence and failure to protect the rights of Armenian citizens in Canada. He details multiple incidents — spanning over two years — of alleged threats, assaults, and human rights violations that were reported to the ambassador, yet went unresolved due to what he describes as “continuous negligence” and “no action” on her part. Citing various international and Armenian laws, Mr. Aslanyan emphasizes the ambassador’s responsibility under the Vienna Convention and Armenian Criminal Code, accusing her of dereliction of duty, abuse of power, and potential complicity in criminal acts through inaction. After seeing no change or meaningful response for this extended period, Mr. Aslanyan now officially files a criminal complaint and has given the Ministry seven days to react before initiating further legal measures to ensure accountability and protection for those allegedly harmed.

The Letter

Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Subject: Criminal Complaint Against Ambassador Anahit Harutyunyan

Dear Minister Mirzoyan:

Introduction
I, Vahe Aslanyan, hereby submit a formal criminal complaint against Ambassador Anahit Harutyunyan, currently serving (or having served) as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Canada. This complaint is submitted with the intention that it be escalated, as necessary, through all appropriate channels within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and forwarded to relevant investigative or prosecutorial bodies in the Republic of Armenia.

Background

Parties Involved:

• Complainant: Vahe Aslanyan, Dutch Citizen, Armenian Citizen.
• Accused: Ambassador Anahit Harutyunyan, official representative of the Republic of Armenia to Canada.

Context:

• The alleged misconduct pertains to incidents reported to the Armenian Embassy in Canada concerning threats, assaults, and possible human rights violations affecting Armenian citizens, persons of Armenian descent, and/or foreign nationals connected to Armenia.
• On or around July 20, 2023, I (and/or other involved individuals) relayed specific, serious concerns regarding personal safety and potential criminal activity in Vancouver, Canada.

Allegations and Facts

Negligence and Failure to Provide Assistance

• On or around July 20, 2023, I informed Ambassador Harutyunyan of ongoing threats, assaults, and potential human rights violations occurring in Vancouver, Canada.
• Despite the gravity of these reports, the Ambassador did not take proactive measures — such as contacting local law enforcement, advising on legal resources, or offering consular protection. Instead, she reportedly advised the complainants to “pack up [their] items and move to another city,” citing the alleged power of certain local criminal elements (e.g., “the Chinese” or other organized groups) as a reason for inaction.

Dereliction of Consular Duty

• Under international and Armenian law, consular officials must safeguard the rights and interests of Armenian nationals.
• Despite clear indications that individuals of Armenian descent or those seeking assistance from the Armenian Embassy faced immediate danger, the Ambassador and/or her staff:
• Failed to coordinate with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to protect or assist the individuals concerned.
• Provided no referrals to legal counsel or relevant community resources.
• Did not effectively engage with any federal entities, including the RCMP, to address the potential criminal activity.

Threatening Demeanor Toward Victims

• When I raised concerns regarding personal safety, possible citizenship pathways, or other legal remedies, Ambassador Harutyunyan allegedly implied that seeking help through official channels could “cause problems” or lead to arrest. Additional Note Regarding Law Enforcement
• It is my understanding that Homeland Security has ceased communication with the RCMP due to perceived infiltration by organized crime elements. This creates a reasonable basis for concern that cooperation with certain Canadian law enforcement agencies may be compromised. Ambassador Harutyunyan was made aware of these circumstances but did not adapt her approach or seek alternative protective measures for those in danger.

Violation of Duties and Obligations

• Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and relevant consular conventions, diplomatic representatives are obligated to protect the interests of their nationals.
• Armenian law, including MFA regulations, mandates that ambassadors act to prevent harm and uphold the rights of Armenian citizens (and those seeking Armenian support).
• The Ambassador’s apparent refusal or failure to take reasonable action in response to credible allegations of violence and intimidation constitutes a gross dereliction of duty.

Legal Basis for Criminal Complaint
Based on the facts and allegations described, the Ambassador’s actions (or omissions) may constitute offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, such as:

• Negligence or Abuse of Official Position: Failing to take appropriate steps to protect Armenian nationals or others under her consular purview.
• Threats or Coercion: Suggesting potential legal repercussions or arrest to silence or discourage a complainant.
• Complicity in Criminal Acts: Allowing or enabling continued harm by neglecting to involve law enforcement or other protective measures. These allegations must be thoroughly investigated to determine whether specific criminal charges are warranted.

Request for Investigation and Relief
In light of the above, I respectfully request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Officially acknowledge and file this criminal complaint, forwarding it to the competent law enforcement or prosecutorial authorities in the Republic of Armenia for a formal investigation.
• Launch an internal disciplinary review to assess whether Ambassador Harutyunyan’s conduct violates the MFA’s code of conduct, Armenian law, or international obligations.
• Suspend or recall Ambassador Harutyunyan if the preliminary evidence suggests significant misconduct, ensuring no interference with any investigation.
• Facilitate protection and provide necessary assistance for individuals who have been threatened or harmed, in accordance with Armenian and international legal obligations.

Ministerial Responsibilities

• Pursuant to Armenian law and internationally recognized standards of diplomatic conduct, you, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, bear the responsibility to ensure that violations by MFA personnel and diplomatic representatives are addressed swiftly and impartially.
• Failure to investigate or take appropriate action upon credible allegations may itself constitute a breach of ministerial duty.

List of Violated Laws and Legal Provisions

I. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)

Article 5(a) — Duty to Respect Host State Laws and Protect Nationals

• Explanation:
  Article 5(a) establishes that diplomatic agents are required to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state. Simultaneously, it imposes a duty on diplomatic agents to protect and promote the interests of their own nationals abroad. This dual obligation ensures that while diplomats must conform to local legal frameworks, they also act as a safeguard for their country’s citizens in foreign jurisdictions.
• Violation:
  Ambassador Harutyunyan’s failure to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies — such as the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) — and her refusal to provide appropriate consular protection or legal guidance directly contradict this obligation. Her inaction leaves Armenian citizens vulnerable, thereby undermining the very purpose of Article 5(a).

Article 36 — Responsibility for the Protection of Nationals

• Explanation:
  Article 36 mandates that diplomatic missions must take all necessary measures to secure the safety, security, and legal rights of their citizens in the host country. This includes proactively addressing any threats, ensuring prompt consular support, and facilitating access to legal resources when needed.
• Violation:
  Despite receiving credible reports of imminent threats and physical assaults — specifically on or around July 20, 2023 — Ambassador Harutyunyan did not implement any protective measures. Her failure to act in the face of clear danger represents a breach of the protective obligations enshrined in Article 36, exposing Armenian nationals to preventable harm.

II. Armenian Criminal Code

Article 315 — Official Negligence

• Explanation:
  Article 315 of the Armenian Criminal Code stipulates that public officials are criminally liable if they fail to act upon critical information that endangers the lives or rights of citizens. This provision is designed to ensure that government officials cannot ignore or dismiss urgent threats to public safety.
• Violation:
  On or around July 20, 2023, despite repeated warnings and direct reports of serious threats and physical violence, Ambassador Harutyunyan failed to take any remedial action. This gross inaction constitutes official negligence as defined under Article 315, as her failure to respond to imminent danger has directly endangered the lives and rights of those under her consular protection.

Article 308 — Abuse of Power

• Explanation:
  Article 308 criminalizes the misuse of power by public officials, particularly when such misuse obstructs justice, harms individuals, or undermines public trust. The provision is intended to hold officials accountable when they intentionally abuse their authority or intentionally obstruct legal processes.
• Violation:
  By discouraging victims from seeking legal redress — explicitly implying that taking legal action might “cause problems” or even lead to arrest — Ambassador Harutyunyan has abused her position. This directive, whether communicated directly or indirectly, is an abuse of power that intentionally undermines the legal rights of individuals seeking protection and redress, thereby violating Article 308.

Article 335 — Aiding and Abetting Criminal Organizations

• Explanation:
  Article 335 targets public officials who, through willful inaction or deliberate complicity, enable the operations of criminal organizations. This article holds accountable those whose negligence or active complicity creates an environment in which criminal activities can thrive.
• Violation:
  Despite being fully aware that Homeland Security has ceased communications with the RCMP due to infiltration by organized criminal elements, Ambassador Harutyunyan failed to report these circumstances or take corrective measures. Her inaction has potentially facilitated an environment conducive to criminal activity. This failure to counteract or report known threats not only breaches her duty under the Armenian Criminal Code but also aligns with the actions described in Article 335, thereby rendering her liable for aiding and abetting criminal organizations.

III. Summary of Legal Violations

• International Obligations:
  Ambassador Harutyunyan has violated the international obligations set forth under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by neglecting her duty to both respect local laws and protect Armenian nationals.
• Domestic Criminal Statutes:
  Under the Armenian Criminal Code, her actions (or lack thereof) amount to:
• Official Negligence (Article 315): Her failure to respond to credible threats endangers lives and violates her duty as a public official.
• Abuse of Power (Article 308): By actively discouraging victims from seeking legal recourse, she has misused her authority.
• Aiding and Abetting Criminal Organizations (Article 335): Her inaction in the face of known organized criminal infiltration has potentially facilitated criminal activities.

The cumulative effect of these violations not only undermines the integrity of the diplomatic office but also directly endangers the safety and legal rights of Armenian citizens abroad. It is, therefore, imperative that the Prosecutor General of Armenia enforces these laws without delay to ensure that accountability is maintained.

Conclusion
This email has been drafted with the express intent of closing every possible loophole so that no attempt to evade responsibility can be made. Should you attempt to dodge your obligations under this matter, such evasion will be considered a flagrant act of criminal behavior. In that event, we will immediately initiate a sequence of actions, using whatever legal mechanisms we deem appropriate, to correct that behavior.

You have been afforded ample time — nearly two years — to remedy these issues. Your systematic failure to address and correct this behavior is well known, and it is precisely for this reason that this letter is being issued. The misconduct is clear and unmistakable; therefore, it is your explicit obligation to launch a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor General without delay. Should you fail to do so, let it be known that alternative legal channels and court systems will be activated to trigger a cascade of actions aimed at enforcing accountability.

If confirmed, the misconduct described is incompatible with the high standards expected of an Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia. I trust that the Ministry will promptly initiate all necessary actions to investigate these allegations, protect any victims, and uphold the reputation of the Republic of Armenia in the international arena.

I stand ready to provide additional documentation, evidence, or testimony to support this complaint and will cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation. Thank you for your attention to this pressing and serious matter.

Respectfully submitted,
Vahe Aslanyan

Original Article: https://lens.lunartech.ai/post/criminal-complaint-against-ambassador-anahit-harutyunyan