Ara Babloyan Claims Nikol Pashinyan Came to Power Illegally

“168 hours” newspaper reports that former National Assembly president Ara Babloyan made a sensational statement yesterday, which did not receive attention in the day’s news. In a conversation with reporters, first addressing his involvement as a suspect in a criminal case being investigated by the RA Special Investigation Service, Babloyan stated, “Whatever I have done, I have done according to the requirements of the law and the Constitution. I have not violated the Constitution or the law; I cannot be held accountable for why Gagik Harutyunyan submitted his application early.”

Subsequently, the former National Assembly president declared, “I can answer one question if it is raised and announced that I supported Nikol Pashinyan in coming to power. In that case, I admit that I allowed a violation. I officially declare, the law enforcement agencies heard it, let them investigate and find where I have violated and how I have supported.”

He is effectively addressing law enforcement, stating that Nikol Pashinyan came to power illegally, to which he himself, as the National Assembly president, provided personal support. However, this statement did not have any consequences from law enforcement agencies yesterday, as Ara Babloyan was not summoned for questioning to clarify what violation the former National Assembly president is referring to.

Babloyan's statement, which he publicly called to be considered as a report and drew the attention of the relevant bodies to discover this violation, can be interpreted as a step indicating Nikol Pashinyan’s usurpation of power, with his support as the National Assembly president.

More details in today’s issue of the newspaper.