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Property Ownership: Nareg Hartounian's Case
herq
13:51, December 18, 2011
Nareg Hartounian's case is just another example of serious and
widespread violations of human rights in Armenia. What makes this
case particularly troubling is the fact that it may also stand out as
a serious violation of property rights. Well, let's hope that it
will not be the outcome.
Property rights are central to the legal and political order for
societies. Without such rights, it is not feasible to have a
democratic society that can guarantee freedom for its citizens. It
is this unconditional protection that the court systems must provide
to all. This is the right that propels societies into economic growth
by providing favorable and secure environment for investments. As
Harvard historian Niall Ferguson argues in his latest book,
Civilization: The West and The Rest, the system in the United States
is based on property rights, and it is one of the main reasons why
North America has been more successful than Central/South America.
It is hard to explain to US or European investors the bizarre cases
where several parties claim ownership of the same property in Armenia.
Or the moment that you become a land owner in Armenia, it is wise to
build a high wall around your property so that you can physically stop
others from claiming ownership. It is also hard to explain the case
with Nareg, who has arbitrarily become the subject of abuse and
extortion. This sends a very unfortunate yet clear signal to the
world investment community which shows that property rights are not
respected in Armenia and foreign properties and investments may be at
risk.
Freedom does not only include freedom of speech and religion. It is
also freedom to own. And let's not forget that this freedom is
protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.
Article 31
Everyone shall have the right to freely own, use, dispose of and
bequeath the property belonging to him/her.
I admire Nareg and the fight that he and his family put out. It is a
fight to preserve the most fundamental principal upon which a true
democratic society is built on, one that is based on guaranteed
protection of human rights and property rights. Nareg is clearly the
underdog in this fight. I do hope and pray that the judges in
Armenia take this high-profile case very seriously, protect Nareg and
his family's properties in Armenia, and do not make a mockery of the
Constitution.
Eduard Sargsyan
12/15/2011
herq
13:51, December 18, 2011
Nareg Hartounian's case is just another example of serious and
widespread violations of human rights in Armenia. What makes this
case particularly troubling is the fact that it may also stand out as
a serious violation of property rights. Well, let's hope that it
will not be the outcome.
Property rights are central to the legal and political order for
societies. Without such rights, it is not feasible to have a
democratic society that can guarantee freedom for its citizens. It
is this unconditional protection that the court systems must provide
to all. This is the right that propels societies into economic growth
by providing favorable and secure environment for investments. As
Harvard historian Niall Ferguson argues in his latest book,
Civilization: The West and The Rest, the system in the United States
is based on property rights, and it is one of the main reasons why
North America has been more successful than Central/South America.
It is hard to explain to US or European investors the bizarre cases
where several parties claim ownership of the same property in Armenia.
Or the moment that you become a land owner in Armenia, it is wise to
build a high wall around your property so that you can physically stop
others from claiming ownership. It is also hard to explain the case
with Nareg, who has arbitrarily become the subject of abuse and
extortion. This sends a very unfortunate yet clear signal to the
world investment community which shows that property rights are not
respected in Armenia and foreign properties and investments may be at
risk.
Freedom does not only include freedom of speech and religion. It is
also freedom to own. And let's not forget that this freedom is
protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.
Article 31
Everyone shall have the right to freely own, use, dispose of and
bequeath the property belonging to him/her.
I admire Nareg and the fight that he and his family put out. It is a
fight to preserve the most fundamental principal upon which a true
democratic society is built on, one that is based on guaranteed
protection of human rights and property rights. Nareg is clearly the
underdog in this fight. I do hope and pray that the judges in
Armenia take this high-profile case very seriously, protect Nareg and
his family's properties in Armenia, and do not make a mockery of the
Constitution.
Eduard Sargsyan
12/15/2011