Alen Simonian Comments on Andranik Kocharyan's Statement About Shooting at Citizens

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonian urged during a press conference with journalists in parliament today that when discussing the occupation of state administration buildings, the example of the radio station occupation in 2018 should no longer be cited.

“When entering the radio station, if you remember, one of the police officers attempted to use a weapon but did not do so at the last moment because he saw that the people were not inclined towards any violence. In addition, there was an issue with the broadcast at that time, so comparing the occupation of the radio station with the occupation of government residences, entering the ‘Freedom’ Radio station, or causing chaos is considered inappropriate. Therefore, I ask that the radio station example should no longer be mentioned. It is a poorly substantiated example,” Simonian stated.

The Deputy Speaker mentioned that all actions during the 2018 revolution were of a peaceful nature and did not involve calls for violence.

Regarding the statement by My Step faction MP Andranik Kocharyan, who said that in the case of an attack on government buildings, the authorities could open fire on citizens, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed the idea of protecting state-owned buildings.

“The government will maintain order and legality in the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the law. If anyone has any objections regarding this, I am ready to debate with them,” said Simonian.

It is noteworthy that the leader of the Homeland Salvation Movement, Vazgen Manukyan, had announced about the rapid seizure of strategically important buildings. In response, My Step faction MP Andranik Kocharyan stated in an interview with the ‘Freedom’ radio station that everyone should understand that there are no jokes with the security system, and if they are considering seizing buildings, they should also remember that these are under state protection, which means that the state has a monopoly right to open fire.