Court Rejects Arrest Warrant for Individual Calling for Armed Coup: Gor Abrahamyan

Gor Abrahamyan, an advisor to the Prosecutor General of Armenia, made a post on Facebook stating that the Yerevan Court of First Instance has rejected a request to impose arrest as a measure of restraint on S.K., an individual accused in a criminal case for calling for an armed coup and bloodshed during a rally held on Republic Square days ago.

The court made this decision in a context where the declaration was made directly and plainly, without ambiguities or room for interpretation.

The court found itself in a situation where the presence of a large number of illegal weapons and ammunition in the republic following the war is evident, as confirmed by the uncovering of dozens of such cases and the criminal proceedings opened against numerous accused individuals.

The court essentially deemed that all of this does not pose any risk for crimes involving the use of weapons, including the overthrow of constitutional order or the forcible seizure of power, and such statements cannot function as a detonator in any circumstance.

This is especially concerning given the heightened political tension in the country as a result of the war, characterized by mutual hatred and calls that justify violence or its application.

One could say this does not require commentary. However, there may indeed be something to comment on. What does this pronounced and unmasked approach imply in the consistent rejection of such requests presented by preliminary investigation bodies and the prosecution?

Do the courts believe that there are situations where the law is an unnecessary category and should be adapted to the winds of political conjuncture, or do they genuinely think that in the presence of such glaring facts and risks, such a decision will not be interpreted as at least a unique justification or acceptance of direct calls for armed coups and bloodshed by the judicial system?

Of course, the prosecution will likely appeal the decision after familiarizing itself with it, primarily to prevent potential new criminal manifestations and may decide to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

Yet, in this case, that is not the crucial matter. What is essential is that, God forbid, in the event of a potential armed coup or its attempt leading to bloody incidents, as always, we will begin to frantically search for and analyze the causes behind it.