Parliamentary Opposition Calls for Resignation of Law Enforcement Leaders

The events of June 12 on Baghramyan Avenue were the red line that placed the current authorities outside the law. We believe that all police officers, investigators, prosecutors, and judges who engage in illegal actions bear personal responsibility for their actions and decisions. They will be viewed as supporters of Nikol Pashinyan's anti-people and anti-state regime, justifying the brutal and illegal actions of the authorities against peaceful protesters.

All political forces and civil organizations that consider themselves part of contemporary Armenian society and are ready to fight for freedom and justice must express their clear position regarding the events of June 12. Otherwise, we believe that they share equal responsibility for the policies of Pashinyan’s regime, are in solidarity with it, and by their actions reinforce it.

We call on:

1. The international community to condemn the actions of the authorities. Otherwise, double standards will be apparent concerning the agenda of cooperation with the international community on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, which has exhausted itself and serves exclusively geopolitical convenience, thereby catering to the interests of Pashinyan’s regime.
2. To remove from the agenda of the June session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) the issue of Armenia's compliance with its obligations, as the prepared materials are not objective, do not reflect the actual state of human rights and the quality of democracy in the country, and significantly encourage the strengthening of Nikol Pashinyan’s authoritarian regime. The continued biased attitude of the Council of Europe towards the actual state of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Armenia, as well as the neglect of the opinions of the opposition and civil society, will undermine the authority and significance of this organization.
3. Considering that it is impossible to achieve an objective and fair legal assessment of the activities of law enforcement leaders (Minister of Internal Affairs, Chief of Police, Director of National Security Service, heads of investigative committees) under the current government, we suggest that they voluntarily resign. Failure to follow this call will be viewed later as an aggravating factor for your actions, as continuing in office will be perceived as an intentional desire to continue illegal and unlawful activities.
4. The dignified citizens of Armenia to support the Holy Movement, stand by those who wish to enter an era of enduring peace and a strong state by removing these individuals from power.

The “Hayastan” faction of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

The “Pativ Unem” faction of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

June 13, 2024