Former deputy National Assembly Speaker Arpine Hovhannisyan is quitting the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), citing plans to continue her activities as an advocate, meantime proceeding with her academic work.
In a Facebook post announcing her decision, the ex-official says she became a licenced attorney last week and will join the community of advocates who ‘don’t hesitate to defend their clients regardless of public moods.'
Hovhannisyan also said she has established a non-governmental organization in an effort to oversee the processes taking place in the country, raise the issues and propose solutions.
The former MP, who also served as Armenia’s justice minister from 2015 to 2017, said she will continue her active engagement in the social and political processes, will conduct ‘in-depth analysis’ of all the decisions taken and, if needed, will voice strong criticism.
“In addition to politics and state service there are other important platforms to serve the state which require genuine devotion and professionalism,” she said.
“Taking this all into account, I have made a decision to cancel my membership to the Republican Party at this phase. I wish good luck to my party colleagues in the upcoming developments,” reads the post.