VIDEO: 'I Am Doing Well, I Am Using It' – Simonyan Gets Angry After Minasyan's Speech

Only 1.5 years ago, a so-called 'reform' was initiated, which is now subject to reversal, and neither the main nor the related reporters addressed this issue. The discussion is about the abolition of the 'detention courts'. This was stated today, December 23, in the National Assembly by Artsvik Minasyan, the secretary of the 'Armenia' faction, during a speech regarding the government's initiative to amend the Judicial Code.

He reminded that on February 3, 2021, the ruling party's MPs adopted a project concerning 'detention courts', loudly declaring it to be aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the courts and alleviating their workload. 'Today, with completely contrary justifications, you are bringing and abolishing these courts. You are doing well, because these courts, as we pointed out back then, were created for one purpose – to facilitate the detention of those fighting against your political power. The facts and justifications are very clear. Let me remind you of the Jhangiryan operation, when Gagik Jhangiryan justified in his well-known wiretapped phone conversation how the judicial system was conquered to curb the political opposition,' Minasyan stated.

The opposition MP also recalled numerous actions taken against judges who did not meet the power's wishes within the framework of the 'detention courts'. 'Since these individuals did not fulfill the demands of the political authority, criminal cases were initiated against them, and their powers were suspended. Now this package also brings about a major 'reform' in the NA – suspended judges are sent to reserve, without waiting for the judicial process against that judge to be terminated on grounds of justification,' Minasyan announced.

He emphasized that such steps violate fundamental human rights, including the presumption of innocence and the application of the norm of retroactive effect of law. 'When will the desire, aspiration, or demand to rape justice to this extent end? When will the judicial system finally become the obedient servant of the Civil Contract Party?' the MP asked.

He revealed that judges are already being appointed by the decisions of the Civil Contract Party, as the NA majority does not consider any alternative options. 'Today in this hall, I hear counterarguments as to why the opposition does not come to the hall, does not present candidates. It's as if it's the first time that when the opposition presents a candidate, your entire team pounces on them, and in the end, you bring here someone selected by your Civil Contract Party as if to legitimize them,' announced Artsvik Minasyan, concluding his remarks with, 'This judicial 'reform' once again confirms that the judicial authority in the Republic of Armenia continues to be seized by the Civil Contract Party.'

This was responded to by NA President Alen Simonyan, who said, 'This sounds like a speech after March 1, 2008, when the government was taking obvious actions against the same Jhangiryan.' Then, addressing the opposition deputies, he noted, 'Are you pulling out speeches from those shelves that should have been given in 2006, 2007, or 2008, during the 'Kolco' operations, when they allied with Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharian, when well-known individuals were calling judges? Sometimes you can even take our opposition time speeches, change places, and hold speeches.' When Artsvik Minasyan complained that the chair was taking advantage of his position, Alen Simonyan responded, 'I am doing well – I am using it, you can create a committee, I am not interrupting you either, Mr. Minasyan.'