Nevertheless, the combined number of seats in the two main indoor Moscow Cinema Halls appears to be 841 (491 and 350 seats in each of the two) according to this site:

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/18086/

Therefore, I’m guessing that my initial estimate based on counting the number of seats per row and then multiplying by rows was right because it didn’t look to me as though the outdoor Summer Hall is bigger than the main indoor hall and I wouldn’t have expected it to be either. Still, it’s another issue that needs looking into.

Can anyone who actually knows give us the number of seats for the summer hall, but also please identify your source.

I said, “I heard the British Embassy paid for a few events.”

A look of shock appeared on her face and she said nothing.

“You mustn’t write that in your article,” she said, almost panicked.

Of course, I had no choice but to because that is my job even if too much about Sksela is kept hidden.

As for the British Embassy, yes, you’re right. I should contact them and was thinking of doing so today.

After that last question to Isabella I did contact the Embassy again and received an email from Naira Sultanyan regarding the abortive attempt to hold a Rock For Freedom event saying, “Yes, we funded past events and we want to do that now because we believe in the groups message. Incidentally, if you have any ideas we would also hear from you as well.”

Hmmm, was that a offer of a bribe, I wonder? And anyway, why won’t Sksela come clean? Maybe because international missions often request recipients not to disclose fully their support for fear of political repercussions as I know first hand from the parliamentary election. Anyway, Sksela saying ask the British Embassy is not the right response if it wants to be seen as transparent and open.

As for the number of seats, well, I could be wrong, but at the beginning of the event I counted them and found them to be around 400. However, I could be mistaken as could you. The cinema’s two main halls certainly won’t accommodate anywhere close to 800 each so I’m surprised that their summer hall would be able given that it is not used as much. Still, I could be wrong in my counting at the beginning, but anyway.

Now, you’re doing a great job standing up for Sksela and Isabella, and I’m glad you’ve finally found something you believe in, but let’s agree on the whole point of this post which you’ve finally just about come round to admitting was an issue but haven’t got the decency to admit it or apologize or even recognize that mistakes were made. As it is, you have been trying to avoid the central issue.

That is, many people — and most I spoke to — were APPALLED by the security and believe that is should have been handled differently. As I’ve said, recognize the fact and make sure it’s done better in the future. As for Isabella, she’s always evaded questions on Sksela just as the organization always evades identifying its main objectives or even dealing with issues. As it is, Sksela took a leaf out of Prosperous Armenia and the Republican Party and gathered hundreds of youth for a free rock concert.

That is why 95 percent of people went. All of this was paid for by my Embassy — a free rock concert which was used to propagandize for Sksela whether the audience wanted it or not, and regardless of the fact that Sksela is NOT a registered organization (unless someone wants to say different now) and is not clear in its real aims, but has certainly enough pro-HHSh and Impeachment/Republic party people involved among the organizers.

And with that, end of subject. People can make their own minds up. Certainly, as the election draws closer we’ll see that Sksela will take on the function as other similar groups it has been modeled on. That is, it is a pro-opposition, pro-revolution movement that will be called upon to supply a few dozen youth for political rallies and demonstrations when the need arises. In the meantime, Sksela has at least sent one precedent.

It managed to deploy a far greater and more intimidating security presence, ironically in the name of “freedom,” than any other organization and even the government in my 9 years of being here. The police would have been better than those guys and actually, Sksela wardens who could control the line much better. A total waste of British taxpayers money and a mistake that I hope my Embassy will not repeat again.

Yes, you’re right, I will send my questions to the Embassy and the Ambassador tonight. Let’s see if they will respond given that Sksela refuses to. As a British citizen AND journalist, I have that right.

Oh and also if you want to ask Isabella a question, you do not do that in the middle of the concert when she is busy and when it is so loud she cannot hear what you are saying. You also ask your questions in a calm voice, I am sure you’d get a better response. For financing why don’t you contact Embassy and ask?

That’s all I have to say.

Official accreditation such as that issued to foreign journalists in Armenia are more commonly called Press Passes with the emphasis on the word “Pass.”

Anyway, as you know because I raised this issue with you and a number of other Sksela people, this was not my main issue. The main problem was that security was not able to properly man and administer the entrance point for the event. It was a free for all with them treating those in line like animals. And this is in addition to the fact that the security was UNPRECEDENTED for any event, including larger rock concerts held here and public meetings where the prime minister and president is present, I’ve attended in Yerevan.

Given that larger rock festivals at the Puppet Theatre attract about 500 people, including those held free, I’m guessing that the numbers would have been similar given that the same people probably attended. As I said, towards the end when people were standing towards the front, whole rows were empty at the back where I went to sit and talk to Anush and Arik from Bambir.

As for security abusing people, I heard this, people with me heard this, and I told you and others when I entered because I complained to you so don’t give me your Sksela bullshit. As for my journalist’s press card — official international media accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — it is against the law to prevent a journalist from carrying out their work and during the concert, your rent-a-thug refused to recognize the card and allow me to do my work by getting into position in places where friends of Sksela without even your own passes were already photographing.

Anyway, long and the short of it is that you’re a hypocrite. Had this security been supplied by the State you’d be screaming foul. As it is, you won’t accept that you made a mistake. Still, I say again, from now on, because of the arguments you give for needing that security, I hope that you won’t complain when police frisk and search people attending Sksela events now that you do it to your own people, and when they too treat people rudely. Ironically, if they do, I’ll complain as well because unlike you, I’ll speak out about such things regardless of who’s responsible.

Long and the short of it, however, is that only Sksela and two HHSh supporters are saying nothing was wrong with the security. Everyone else I’ve spoken to says there was a huge problem and agrees with my complaints. There were people who saw and heard security abuse people trying to get in, and as you remember, I raised this point with them and you. Speak to people calmly and say please, I said. On that basis alone, the police were much better than the goons Sksela wasted British taxpayers money on although I suspect more money came from elsewhere.

Otherwise, I would still like to know why my Embassy gave $3-5,000 to an unregistered organization in Armenia even regardless of the fact that one of your main organizers is the husband of the woman in the Embassy responsible for such things. Of course, such information won’t be forthcoming because Sksela is not an open or transparent [unregistered] organization although there’s a growing need for it to become one so such information is accessible for those monitoring the transparency of the coming election.

BTW: Talking of badges, as I left before the end, one of the musicians performing asked me what I thought of his band’s performance. “It was ok,” I said, “although I’m tired of this security and Sksela.”

He looked down to the ground, looked up and took his Sksela badge off. “Yes,” he said. “You’re right.”

Now, are you going to respond to Silver, Anush and Garo’s criticisms of the security and the way the event was organized and how Sksela appears to be getting to big for its boots even without any real support base in society? I’d also say that as Sksela believes such security and searches are necessary, the Yerevan police should now do the same. Ironically, however, they won’t, but if they did, you’d be complaining much louder than I am. As I said, it’s one rule for you guys, but not for others. It’s about politics and the fact that Sksela is a political movement dressed up as one supposedly interested in “freedom” and “democracy.”

For now, at least. As the election draws closer, we’ll all be able to see what the intent is behind Sksela. That is, it is a partisan political movement which is working closely with partners interested only in one part of the radical opposition. I know for a fact, for example, that this is CRD/TI Armenia’s position on the election and in my opinion, this is not democracy. It is just one part of the political system fighting against another.

It is not only you complaining about security but others as well. Yet the others seem to complain about mere fact of security being present, or the mere fact of their bags being checked, I did not hear about them complaining about security shouting abuses. Sorry, I do not think you are being fair.

p.s. There were only 10 security guys, and over 850 people.

In actual fact, Silver (comment #3), Anush (comment #4), Anais (comment #14) and Christian aka Garo (comment #21) say pretty much the same thing, but Observer, Nessuna (Tirami Su), Aramazd and Nazarian have not even bothered to refer to their similar complaints. So you don’t have to scroll all the way up to the top, I reproduce them below.

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Sad but true.
Onnik +1 for excellent analytics and comments.

I’m yet (hopefully) to witness the rise of a force that is fresh, fair, just, principal and last but not least educated and with a sufficient ‘level’ (’makardakov’), as we say in Armenian.

Unfortunately absolutely all current political movements, Sksela included, lack almost (or absolutely) all the points written above, especially the last two.

So much for Rock for Freedom, and thanks for all the fish!

Comment by Silver — October 8, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
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Hell of a reaction Onnik…! well i meant to take some photos on the event from you, but as I see your thoughts and reaction were a priority this time.
Me too and many more people got totally disappointed this time… another thing i was sad about was the low quality of bands, and Bambir would definitely have mattered a lot… but although not playing they were there only to find the guards pushing Narek aside for one reason or another, and when Narek asks them why, they tell him to be calm otherwise they’ll make sure he’s out of there….
well I personally was definitely willing to be our of there even without the guards’ help….

Comment by Anush — October 8, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

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First of all RESPECT to Onnik, because of the facts you mentioned in here.
I saw how these Sksela guys were not observed by the guardians in case of alcohol, or knives, or anything.

About Bambirs, well the audience was pissed off cuz’ they are a big part of every rock fest our studio organizes (I’m working with MDP on these concert things) and fans were upset not seeing them there, but, on the other hand they have their own oppinion on things, so it’s obvious (and good) that they stay apart from all this “pollitics”.

Sksela did a huge mistake by hireing these security because, as you mentioned, it deffinetly doesn’t fit with their fact of being a democratic organisation at all. And I’m sure
they will show themselves in very near future, during presidental ellection campaigns.

There is another thing concerning the “freedom” they were so passionate about. Why on earth the audience was not allowed to get to the stage?!? When we do these concerts in puppet, or in the other places kids are allways free to go to the stage (allthrought our sound manager Mhko tell them to stay away from the cabels, and other equipment, we are quite possitive about it, because, for God’s sake it’s a rock concert after all!!!!). Can anybody talk about freedom after all this stuff? I don’t think so.

Comment by Anais — October 8, 2007 @ 9:11 pm

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I showed up for the concert but was appalled by the security there, like for the most part everyone who went I imagine. When I finally understood why there was a huge crowd in front of the entrance to the open-air theater my first reaction was to walk away as I thought the security was entirely absurd. People were holding their cell phones and car keys above their heads as they were being patted down, and there was the infamous sign there informing all that no knifes or guns were allowed, but plastic bottles were OK. Weird. In any case, my turn finally came, or so I thought, to go through the gamut but unfortunately the security guards only chose to let people put up with their bullshit who cut me in line, even though they clearly saw me waiting there. I mumbled to the wide-assed security guard blocking my entry that if he wasn’t going to let me through I would walk away, not that he cared. But I left there fairly pissed that such security was being implemented at a rock concert in Yerevan aimed at a small segment of youth who are far from the “rabiz” crowd, which is more inclined to carry around knifes and guns then those rockers.

I also found it strange that a youth organization which only six months ago was passing out newspapers and wearing newspaper hats was now holding a free rock concert with high security. I can’t say for sure but I would guess that not even the Rolling Stones have such security for the tens of thousands of fans who show up for each of their shows. So why here for a few semi-professional bands? And who the hell was in attendance to justify having that security? I am also curious as to how many guns were confiscated–let me guess, zero?

Comment by Christian — October 9, 2007 @ 2:30 pm

Q.E.D.

It’s now:
http://mi-or.blogspot.com/2007/10/rock-for-freedom_08.html

Her response was “Sorry, I can’t do anything.” She also didn’t even bother to come to the entrance to see.

So. what we have is the following. Sksela members and its sympathizers say nothing was wrong with the security. However, as you can see from the comments on this blog, others not biased by being members of Sksela disagree. Garo even walked away and said to hell with this concert given that in the years he’s been in Armenia, he’s also never seen security like Sksela’s at ANY event he’s attended.

Now, about security, Nessuna, you’re right. You just can’t compare them to the police. As a journalist who has covered significantly more events or different varieties than you have, I can sat they don’t compare.

Firstly, considering the number of people attending an event in Republic Square compared to much less at Sksela, the security/police per capita was probably higher at your event.

They were also in your face, intimidating, rude and whatever else. As for the need for security, you are purposely missing the point. That’s fine. Have it, but not like it was or at least admit, that from what you’ve written in “defense” of Sksela now means that Yerevan police needs to be careful.

Therefore, after reading what you’ve read, it’s obvious. There needs to be a heavy police presence at all Sksela events and its members must be searched for knives. Anyway, nice try, but i think it just backfired on you.

However, I say again, from what I’ve seen of events in Armenia, Sksela security were worse than government security and seeing as the event was meant to be about “freedom” the irony is not lost on me.

Now, on to other points. Obviously Sksela has affected your ability to think (one of the objectives it hopes to achieve, no doubt).

This is not that say that individuals who are in favor of sksela cannot have political beliefs or opinions. But it is not correct to assume that political beliefs of parents are those of their children. How Arsen could ever strike you as a pro-government person is still a mistery to me.

I never said anything about Arsen being a pro-government person. Instead, I said that I am fed up with Sksela members being unable to answer normal questions from journalists. So, whereas Isabella refuses to answer questions on funding, Arsen doesn’t like questions about his mum, bless him.

All I wanted to know was if Sksela created problems for his mum, has she said anything, has anything happened. Instead, he didn’t answer the question, but a few weeks later actually verbally attacked me from even having the audacity to ask a question.

Anyway, as you know, although Hranush Kharatian occupies a government position it is because she is one fo the few who could deal with religious and ethnic minorities in Armenia. Otherwise, everyone knows that she is a senior member of a political party ironically in opposition to the government. She’s also reportedly anti-semitic, but that’s another issue.

Otherwise, other points about civil society taken although as I saw you and others at Impeachment rallies for the parliamentary elections, I personally think you’re barking up the wrong tree. You’re not talking about civil society, in fact. You’re talking about just one small revolutionary part of it that is represented by the likes of Sksela, CRD-TI Armenia and others.

That’s fine, but don’t deny the fact. Sksela is an anti-government movement designed to spring into action at times of elections to mobilize youth. That’s all I’ve said above, and that’s something that others in Sksela deny. However, you have pretty much just admitted to it, or at least outlined your interest in the organization. Anyway, sorry, Nessuna, you’re naive, you need something to believe in and be part of it. You follow Sksela like it’s a cult.

Anyway, we’ll see about Sksela in the coming months as the election approaches. Teaming up with pro-revolution organizations such as CRD-TI Armenia who openly say they will do anything to prevent Serzh Sarkisian from becoming president, I think Sksela has already made it clear.

Open concerts in republican square have police. You cannot compare the security sksela hired with police. The security even if some may argue was tough, simply did what they always do. They checked bags for knives. I agree it is unpleasant and not very nice experience. But they didn’t scream or threaten anybody even when I saw somebody talking in a loud voice at them. They remain calmed and anwsered in a calm voice back. How many policeman would do that? Not in UK, in Armenia

At that some point there were four guys who were bothering a group of girls. A girl from sksela asked for a security guy to come forward after trying to calm down the boys herself, which did not work. I was watching the security guy curious about what he was going to do. He simply told the guys to sit down, and walked away.

Security did not allow people on the stage. Had it done so the crowd would block the only entrance/exit which was pretty close to the stage. That’s just my opinion, which some skselas might not share.

This is not that say that individuals who are in favor of sksela cannot have political beliefs or opinions. But it is not correct to assume that political beliefs of parents are those of their children. How Arsen could ever strike you as a pro-government person is still a mistery to me. It is also not correct to assume that sksela has a hidden political agenda, especially when sksela says it does not. When I joined sksela, nobody asked me about my political affiliation, yet I was asked to leave them before entering the door for sksela discussions or events and picking them on my way out.

I believe in civil society as a watchdog against state and making the state at all levels more accountable, responsive and effective. I believe power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I believe that the current government in Armenia is very close to having that absolute power (they certainly do pretty much anything they please without respect to the rule of law while simply playing the game of democracy). And I believe it has no intention to give that power away. Do not get me wrong, who would? I certainly would not.

Unless we have an active civil society nothing will ever change, even if the government changes. Sksela is about conveying that message to youth. Be active, take the charge in the issues that matter to you, you’re responsible for the government you have.

http://mi-or.blogspot.com/2007/10/rock-for-freedom.html

Onnik - Sksela is all about giving you that right, and making sure, that I on my turn have my right and freedom to respond.

I’m sorry, but I can’t get over the pretension and almost arrogance in this sentence. Sksela gave me what right? To write what I want, say what I please? Absolute bullshit. Sorry, no other word to describe that statement.

Nobody gave me that right. I decide what to write and when and Sksela has nothing to do with it although yes, I admit that they generally evade questions and employ over-the-top security so from time to time they can restrict certain rights.

And incidentally, your right to respond also has NOTHING to do with Sksela. It has everything to do with you as an individual and you were free to speak openly before Sksela, and you’ll be free to speak openly without them too.

Your comment might be worthy of someone in somewhere like N. Korea, China or some dictatorship where people aren’t free to write and say what they please and NEED collective groups to fight that system, but here in Armenia, that’s not the case.

I just wish people could understand that first and foremost they are INDIVIDUALS and collective groups take away freedoms rather than grant them. Anywa, Sksela gave me that right to say and write what I want?

Please. Do me a favour…

Why so?

Hell, I don’t know. They could be left-wing, right-wing, up-and-down-wing. The point is they don’t say what they are, while at the same time they continue to use PR researched, semi-sophisticated tactics to take hold of the minds of the youth.

I would condemn them on the tactics, itself.

Why so?

Which inspires me to go into Kick Your Ass mode. Which means that if Sksela does not send a message one way or another about their intentions, I am going to have to assume, based on their record, that they are lying, collaborating, cheap-labor, slave-driving right-wing nut-cases. I really, really don’t like people like that, and I hope Sksela is not that. But Sksela doesn’t seem to want to come clean.

Sksela has been hiding. Sksela has NEVER made a statement that is ideologically straightforward and honest. Why?

Should they continue to remain a “youth” charity case? WELFARE REVOLUTIONARY LOOSERS because they couldn’t make their BS fly in any honest playing-field? Judging by the fact that they have been carrying-out all of their actions without interference from any active forces just because they have never stated what they are about, I expect they are about to be asked uncomfortable questions soon.

Uncomfortable questions that keep getting more uncomfortable.

And their ties by marriage to the British Embassy better be able to hold water.