BY BABIC BABIKIAN
Reaching the milestone of 101 years is an extraordinary achievement, but what sets Haiganoush Akaraguian apart is not just her longevity, but the life of courage, resilience, and service she has led. Her story is one of perseverance in the face of oppression, kindness that transformed lives, and a legacy that continues to inspire her family and community.
Under the oppressive communist regime of Romania, where corruption and fear ruled every aspect of society, defending justice was often a perilous undertaking. Akaraguian, an expert accountant with the skills equivalent to a Certified Public Accountant, rose above these challenges. In addition to her accounting expertise, her legal training enabled her to assist in cases where defendants were falsely accused of financial crimes, particularly theft. Her commitment to integrity and justice often placed her in the crosshairs of a system that thrived on intimidation and coercion.
Akaraguian’s role in these cases was multifaceted. She conducted thorough interviews with defendants, meticulously analyzed evidence, and produced detailed reports that served as critical pieces of expert testimony. Her work often required her to testify before district attorneys and in courtrooms, even under dangerous circumstances. Her dedication to truth and fairness became a lifeline for many who had been ensnared in a corrupt and unjust legal system.
One particularly striking case exemplifies her courage and steadfastness. A restaurant bookkeeper was accused of theft and faced a devastating seven-year prison sentence despite a lack of concrete evidence. In communist Romania, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” was often ignored, and the defendant was presumed guilty. Akaraguian was tasked with reviewing the evidence and providing her expert opinion.
After analyzing the case, Akaraguian concluded that the evidence against the bookkeeper was insufficient to prove his guilt. However, the district attorney dismissed her findings, arguing that the bookkeeper had been living beyond his means and therefore must have been guilty. When the district attorney pressured her to alter her report to support the prosecution’s case, Akaraguian stood her ground. She firmly refused, even when threatened with imprisonment herself.
Her investigation revealed that the bookkeeper had confessed to the crime only after enduring severe torture by the police—a grim but common tactic used to extract confessions under the regime. At the trial, despite her compelling report and testimony, the court sided with the prosecution. The bookkeeper was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Undeterred, the defendant filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. The appellate court, while recognizing potential flaws in the original trial, ordered a reexamination of the evidence by three additional experts. Despite their involvement, the court ultimately upheld the guilty verdict from the earlier trial.
The defendant’s attorney then escalated the case to the Romanian Supreme Court. After reviewing the evidence, the Supreme Court relied heavily on Akaraguian’s original report, which had remained consistent throughout the proceedings. The court overturned the previous verdict and granted the defendant a new trial. During this retrial, Akaraguian’s report served as a critical piece of evidence, and the court acquitted the defendant, finding him not guilty. This case was one of several where her expertise played a pivotal role in securing the freedom of innocent individuals.
In another instance, Haiganoush defended a starving truck driver accused of wasting public resources and facing two years of prison. She demonstrated that his actions were routine and did not justify imprisonment, leading to his acquittal. Her efforts saved his life, as he was later found to have tuberculosis, which would have been fatal in prison.
Akaraguian’s steadfast refusal to compromise her principles, even under immense pressure, exemplifies the highest standards of professional and moral integrity. Her actions not only saved these men from unjust imprisonment but also served as a beacon of hope and justice in an era defined by fear and corruption.
Her story reminds us that even in the darkest times, individuals can make a difference by standing up for truth and fairness. Akaraguian’s bravery and commitment to justice continue to inspire those who strive to uphold the rule of law in the face of adversity.
Akaraguian’s courage carried her through another major chapter of her life: immigrating to the United States. Arriving in Los Angeles on March 28,1964, with her child and mother, she faced the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. Supported by friends who recognized her intelligence and skills, she soon flourished as an expert accountant, ultimately rising to become CFO and Vice President at Arpeja-California.
Her professional success extended far beyond personal achievement; it became a lifeline for her community. Akaraguian took it upon herself to prioritize hiring Armenian immigrants, providing stability and opportunity to countless families within the Armenian community. Through her efforts, an extraordinary 43 Armenian immigrants found employment at Arpeja, a testament to her unwavering dedication to uplifting her people.
Beyond her career, Akaraguian was a cornerstone of the Armenian community in Los Angeles. She was a founding member in the Raffi organization and its bookkeeper. She actively supported the Armenian Scout Program and lent her voice to the Kousan Choir. The children of the Romana-Hye Raffi members made up the majority of the student body at the newly established Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian High School. Her commitment to education was evident in her decision to enroll her son as one of the school’s first students, helping to establish what would become a lasting institution for the community.
To her family and close friends, Akaraguian was more than a leader; she was a source of unwavering support. When a close family friend faced grueling jobs, she offered a position in a professional setting, restoring dignity and hope. Her kindness extended to every major decision in their lives, providing wisdom and loyalty at every turn.
Today, Akaraguian’s impact lives on in her family—her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—who carry her values of hard work, compassion, and dedication. She remains a vital link to the past, a storyteller and mentor whose life serves as an example of grace and strength.
As the living connection to her generation, Akaraguian is a beacon of the values and memories that shaped her family and community. Her kindness, courage, and resilience continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to know her.
May she be blessed with health and strength to guide and inspire generations to come.
