Fascist state.

Uzogh has posted (uzogh.livejournal.com/70032.html?view=665744#t665744) an article from The Guardian which describes how the Bush system in the US resembles a fascist state. For fun, I wanted to apply the ten tests to the Armenian reality.



1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy

Rightfully, Turkey is a terrifying external enemy that has attempted to wipe us out in the past. The internal enemy is the previous administration.



2. Create a gulag

This one I am not quite sure of but the detention centers at the KGB and the police that hold the political prisoners without trial may qualify as such.



3. Develop a thug caste

The hastaglukh and hastaviz (thick headed and thick necked) thugs used by the authorities to suppress any dissent are the thug caste in Armenia. The 'special forces' from Karabagh that are routinely used to beat up protestors are the more professional thugs.



4. Set up an internal surveillance system

One has no guarantee that his/her telephone and other conversations are not being monitored and recorded. The recent Artur Baghdasarian conversation (mentioned in an earlier blog) is a proof of that.



5. Harass citizens' groups

This is a favorite pastime of the authorities in Armenia as well. The closing of the Jarangutyun offices, confiscation of computers, etc. are just one example of it.



6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release

4 people were detained during the May 9 rally and then released. No need to say more.



7. Target key individuals

Alexandr Arzumanian's arrest is the latest example of this.



8. Control the press

The last independent TV station, A1, was closed 6 years ago.



9. Dissent equals treason

This seems to be the favorite label affixed to any person with different views, and is quite popular with the Dashnaks when referring to the liberals.



10. Suspend the rule of law

What law?