The widely circulated video on the internet has raised concerns among the public, prompting Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) to issue a statement clarifying the identities of the individuals featured in the video. According to the NSS, the people depicted in the video are citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran who were present in Armenia from December 30, 2024, to January 3, 2025. The statement also included the names of these individuals, aiming to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure transparency.
The video, which quickly gained widespread attention online, shows a group of men singing the Azerbaijani song “Gharabagh” at Republic Square in Yerevan. Although the content of the video sparked discussions and questions about its implications, the NSS emphasized that the individuals involved were visitors from Iran. The service urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or engaging in speculative commentary, as such actions could exacerbate uncertainty.
However, the NSS’s statement raises important questions about its effectiveness. While it identifies the individuals and their citizenship, it does little to alleviate public concerns or restore confidence. The lack of additional context—such as the purpose of their visit, the circumstances surrounding the video, or assurances regarding public safety—leaves room for lingering doubts. Particularly in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, authorities must go beyond merely identifying individuals and provide comprehensive communication to mitigate fear and confusion. Moreover, systems must be applied to prevent foreign nationals from engaging in acts that undermine the dignity of the Armenian people.
This incident highlights not only the challenges posed by social media but also broader issues related to public security in the Republic of Armenia. In this case, the song “Gharabagh,” associated with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, inflamed public sensitivity and wounded national dignity. This underscores the need for proactive measures by state institutions—not only to monitor and respond to potentially inflammatory content but also to ensure vigilance across the entire territory of the Republic.
In conclusion, while the NSS’s statement clarifies the identities of the individuals in the video, it fails to address the underlying anxieties triggered by the incident. To foster trust and stability, authorities must adopt a more robust approach to crisis communication—one that prioritizes transparency, provides detailed explanations, and reassures the public during moments of uncertainty.
