I Cannot Continue My Service Against My Oath as a Military Officer, Police Captain

Police officer Captain Sergey Gharibyan writes on his Facebook page: "Dear colleagues in law enforcement, ladies and gentlemen, cognizant of the seriousness of the moment and considering that our state is on the brink of existence, and that we are called to serve the state’s preservation with honor, I have decided that I can no longer continue my service (I have submitted a request to the police to be relieved of my duties) against my military oath and in contradiction to my principles as a person and a specialist.

I urge each of you who has taken an oath of loyalty to the Republic of Armenia to serve solely the Law and the People. Be vigilant, stand by the people, be human, be a dignified citizen, and simply be a professional — defending only the interests of our people and our state.

We are fully aware that an illegal order is not subject to execution, especially in such a situation where no illegal order can be executed on our part, opposing ourselves to our very own people. This is the essence, spirit, and substance of our oath, from which any deviation is not only a slap in the face of our military dignity but also a disgrace directed at our moral humanity, a scorn for the memory of the countless heroes who fell in the fight for freedom.

Our plea, our request, dear comrades, is to serve as a bulwark of independence, especially today, to guarantee a safe and secure future for our children, to not sacrifice their smiles for personal gains, and not to lose our country due to opportunistic adventures. Our citizens trust us, our state trusts us; let us not undermine that trust, and do not become servants, but serve for the sake of our people..."