It Is Necessary to Convene a National Assembly Session and Declare a State of Emergency: Mher Hakobyan

Mher Hakobyan has written on his Facebook page: “A state of emergency has just been declared in the United States, and several European countries are facing the same situation. I am confident - it is time to take decisive action and declare a state of emergency in the Republic of Armenia as well. This is not a game or a show event that can be solved through live broadcasts.”

“Just a small clarification - there is a legal issue; take a look at the law. I myself, I repeat, am in favor of declaring a state of emergency, but do not say that it is a distortion of meaning; nevertheless, let me state - according to Article 1, Part 2 of the Law on the Legal Regime of a State of Emergency of the Republic of Armenia, ‘A state of emergency is declared ONLY when there is an immediate threat to the constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia, including attempts to violently change or overthrow the constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia, usurpation of power, armed riots, mass disturbances, national, racial, or religious conflicts accompanied by violent actions, terrorist acts, the seizure or blockade of facilities of special significance, the creation and operation of illegal armed groups, and emergencies.’”

“In my view, the law is vague, since an epidemic threat itself is a reason for declaring a state of emergency; it is not only a threat to the Constitutional Court that can become a reason for the state of emergency.”

“However, again, I reiterate, these legal ambiguities should not hinder decisive actions; this is not the case to get bogged down in legalities and… remain stuck. A regular or extraordinary session of the National Assembly must be convened urgently; the provision must be changed VERY QUICKLY, and a state of emergency must be established—that's all.”

“The situation is complex; decisive, bold, and responsible actions are needed.”