Statement Made During Rally Indicates Potential Criminal Conduct

On December 22, a rally organized by 17 political parties took place at Republic Square, where a statement was made indicating that the actions mentioned could potentially contain the characteristics of a crime as defined by Article 301.1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

Specifically, it was stated: "Until now, we have had no response from the 'My Step' faction. Therefore, this makes us more resolute, it strengthens us further. Thus, we have work to do with each deputy of the 'My Step' faction from this moment on. Shortly, we will publish the names of all deputies from the 'My Step' faction in order, and Armenian citizens are free in their actions and decisions, so that if they do not understand or realize the public demand, then yes, we must force a parliamentary session. If they do not understand that their voting and behavior affect the fate of our country, then together we must make them understand."

Part 1 of Article 301.1 of the Criminal Code provides for a punishment of imprisonment for a term of three to ten years for using violence or threatening violence against the President of the Republic, the National Assembly, the government, or the Constitutional Court to compel them to perform or refrain from performing any action stemming from their authority, which is not aimed at seizing power. Part 2 of the same article prescribes a punishment of imprisonment for a term of ten to fifteen years if the aforementioned actions have resulted in serious consequences.

The Armenian police urge refraining from making statements of such content or carrying out actions indicated in such statements and warn that any illegal activity will receive an appropriate response from the Armenian police.

Armenian Police