Robert Kocharyan's Message from Prison

The second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, has sent a message to his supporters from prison.

This was reported by 2rd.am.

In his address, Kocharyan discussed the current political, economic, and external situation in Armenia, as well as details related to the case attributed to him.

Below is the full text of the second President’s message:

“Dear colleagues, although I have been in illegal detention for about two months, I am closely monitoring the developments in Armenia, Artsakh, and the region.

It is clear that the current authorities, led by Prime Minister Pashinyan, are unfortunately demonstrating complete weakness in political and state governance. The qualitative composition of the formed parliamentary majority leaves no room for believing that the new ruling team is capable of effectively governing the country.

It is already evident that we will witness a great wave of disappointment in the foreseeable future, which will be the sad and predictable consequence of numerous unrealistic and populist promises. The price of the gross mistakes recorded today in economic, internal, and foreign policy will be extremely costly. Unfortunately, each of us will pay that price.

Any mistake in the process of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (and such mistakes already exist) could lead to irreversible and fateful consequences.

Let me briefly mention my so-called case: Keeping me in custody at all costs, by violating the law and breaking the back of the judicial system, in order to isolate me from political life is a futile endeavor. As a result, I have been turned into a political prisoner, with all the consequences that follow. This case, fabricated by several adventurers, is not going to collapse in the future but has already collapsed. I continue to consider it a legal garbage. Every episode of it will become a disgraceful page in our history and, unfortunately, it will remain so regardless of the fact that all those responsible will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

I want you to have no doubts: imprisonment cannot in any way demoralize me or force me to abandon political activity, no matter how much hope the current authorities cherish. I thank all of you, my fellow soldiers and supporters, for your unwavering struggle. Believe me: this is a fight not for the freedom of one individual but for the values that have been the foundation of our victories. For the security and well-being of our country and Artsakh.

I am grateful to all those who have raised their voices in protest against the ongoing injustice, whether directly or indirectly. I thank all those who do not succumb to feelings of fear and do not align with the mob.

I have no doubt: what is happening is a transient phenomenon, which will come to an end in the foreseeable future, as the life of lies is short. No authority based on lies, ignorance, and hatred has ever had a long history.”