Rubén Vardazaryan Politicizes the Judiciary, Makunts Says

According to Lilit Makunts, the leader of the "My Step" faction in the National Assembly, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Rubén Vardazaryan, is politicizing the judiciary. Makunts made this statement during a parliamentary session, responding to Vardazaryan's announcement.

“My Step” faction focused more on clarifying the president of the Supreme Judicial Council's statement. Unfortunately, the clarifications provided by the president were neither satisfactory nor conclusive and further reaffirmed our concerns that they were intentional and political. As a member of an institution that, according to the Constitution, should ensure the independence of courts and judges, Mr. Vardazaryan has not contributed in any way to guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and political restraint, but rather he has politicized and continues to politicize the judiciary,” said Makunts.

Makunts also stated that Rubén Vardazaryan has displayed open disrespect towards parliamentarians holding primary mandates. “The ‘My Step’ faction will not vote for the proposed candidates today; with this step, we do not intend to express our position regarding the candidates but rather specifically regarding Mr. Vardazaryan's actions and statements as the president of the Supreme Judicial Council,” said Makunts.

On March 3, Rubén Vardazaryan assured that his earlier statement directed towards judges was merely a call for restraint and sobriety.