Interference with the Normal Operation of Courts is Unacceptable: Supreme Judicial Council

Condemning the disruption of the normal operations of courts, the Supreme Judicial Council simultaneously calls on judges and all employees of the judicial authority to exhibit extreme restraint and remain strictly within the legal framework. This was stated in a press release issued by the Supreme Judicial Council.

The Council's statement specifically notes:

“On May 19, at 21:30, the Supreme Judicial Council convened an extraordinary session to discuss the current situation surrounding the courts. The Council noted that a consultation on issues related to judicial reforms had been scheduled with the Prime Minister for May 20 at 12:00. Given that this consultation has been reaffirmed and will also involve the participation of the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Council concluded that it would express a comprehensive position regarding the situation at the session that will be convened after the consultation. Deeming the disruption of the normal operation of courts as unacceptable, the Council simultaneously urges judges and all employees of the judicial authority to exhibit extreme restraint and remain strictly within the legal framework.”

Let us recall that today, May 19, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page: “Starting from 08:30 in the morning, we are blocking all entrances and exits of the republic's courts without exception, so that no one can enter.” It should be noted that this was Nikol Pashinyan's fourth post of the day; earlier he stated that he would announce the beginning of the second phase of the revolution tomorrow, and he had promised that he would make a statement about “establishing the power of the people in the judicial system.” This was preceded by another post saying, “We will talk about those other issues tomorrow, dear people. The important thing is not to lose your courage. There is no game against you. There is no game against the people.”