Armenian writer goes on hunger strike over dolphinarium construction
Armenian writer and publicist Vahram Tatikyan today started a termless hunger strike in protest against the controversial construction of a dolphinarium in Yerevan's Komitas Park, near the "Pantheon."
The construction project initiated by a Ukrainian organization, Nerum, has caused uproar among local environmentalists and animal rights activists.
Tatikyan says he will continue his protest until the structure is laid to the ground. Like other environmentalists, Tatikyan thinks dolphins and other sea animals will not survive in Armenian climate. He is sure that it is possible to dismantle the tank.
"If the authorities were able to build Northern Avenue in the heart of the capital, they will be able to remove a dolphin tank in a day."
The writer has not notified the Yerevan Municipality of his action. He only asked permission from "the tombs of Armenians' ancestors, their souls and conscience."
Tatikyan thinks the Park has been deliberately left in a neglected state for many years in order to justify the construction of the dolphinarium.
In reply to A1+'s observation that hunger strikers are not paid due attention in Armenia, the publicist said, "A sharp-witted Armenian writer asked if I was determined to struggle till the end and after receiving a positive answer he said, "Then you will be buried there."
The construction of the dolphinarium began in August. If plans are fulfilled, the dolphinarium would house four dolphins, one sea lion and two seals.
