Increased Risks of Illegal Weapons Transfer in Armenia: Prosecutor's Office

The war unleashed against the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh has significantly heightened the risks of illegal transfer, possession, and use of weapons and ammunition for criminal purposes within the territory of Armenia. This is evidenced by already uncovered criminal cases and numerous initiated criminal proceedings. This statement was released by the Prosecutor General's Office.

The announcement also states: "These risks are further exacerbated, especially in conditions of internal social instability. In a state of martial law, mass unrest, and the organization of gatherings in violation of the law—often simultaneously conducted by opposing factions—display aggression and hate speech in separate statements during these events, creating serious prerequisites for such destabilization.

The aforementioned realities have considerably increased the criminal risks in the republic, posing threats to public security and the rule of law, thus amplifying the efforts of law enforcement agencies aimed at preventing crimes, revealing criminal activities, and applying legal measures. These agencies are currently operating under extreme stress, with the dual task of ensuring the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms while maintaining the normal course of public life and monitoring the operational situation within the context of national security.

In similar circumstances, operational data received about the preparation of serious and particularly serious crimes against state security necessitate prompt response, and adherence to appropriate legal procedures for prevention, and subsequently, for objective and effective investigation. Law enforcement agencies are resolute in this matter, and every legally prescribed action will be undertaken to ensure the rule of law in the republic.

This necessity demands unequivocal cooperation from the corresponding bodies under criminal prosecution, ensuring uninterrupted and unhindered legal proceedings by all officials responsible for implementing their official duties efficiently and effectively.

Meanwhile, during the discussions on petitions for arrests and detentions in specific cases, there are sometimes manifestations of improper assessment of the justifications, arguments, and evidence presented by the conducting authorities. This includes downplay of their significance and unreasonable positioning that reflects inadequate behavior in relation to the situation, also expressed through judicial decisions. Although such unfounded and, in some cases, illegal decisions are subject to legal challenges, and disciplinary proceedings against specific judges are initiated, it is evident that due to such attitudes, not only do the processes of fully uncovering crimes become problematic, but also the efforts of law enforcement aimed at preventing new crimes are often rendered ineffective due to prolonged, resource-intensive, and diligent work.

Confident that the high mission of establishing the rule of law and justice is fulfilled through the unwavering enforcement of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, rather than merely through statements from state bodies that invariably receive contextual undertones in light of specific circumstances, we urge all entities engaged in criminal proceedings to abide exclusively by the Constitution of Armenia and the laws governing public and national security responsibility, with a profound sense of civic duty to the Republic of Armenia.

At the same time, we expect Armenian citizens to demonstrate sensible and law-abiding behavior to ensure our country’s internal stability and security, particularly in the context of martial law, and to eliminate public vulnerability in the face of external threats and challenges while enhancing the effectiveness of the complex and challenging state efforts being undertaken in that direction.