I think Diasporans don't understand what we mean when we say there was criminal corruption in Armenia. Let me put it this way: when I was the only kid in my high school who refused to pay the final exams annual bribe to the school director they almost kicked me out of the school.

Corruption in Armenia was ubiquitous, it was in our schools & colleges, in workplaces & entertainment, business & public sector. Unless you were exceptional in your field if you didn't know smb in the higher ups or didn't pay them a share, you had very little chance of making it.

Armenians now often flirt with the idea of security over corruption. This is a highly dangerous discourse. While we haven't achieved anything close to corruption-free state how dare we openly announce being ready to sacrifice our freedoms for the hope,not guarantees, of security?

As an Armenian who has been directly affected by both the corruption in the country & the war (unlike most Diasporans) I dare say I am not ready to sacrifice ANY of my freedoms for others' hopes & dreams I myself don't believe in. Armenia can & will have security & democracy.