Head and Deputy of the National Security Service granted authority to use physical force and carry weapons

The head and deputies of the National Security Service of Armenia will have the right to use physical force, carry, store, and employ special means and firearms, as they hold non-military service positions. This decision was made during today’s session of the Armenian government.

Corresponding amendments will be made to the laws on "Bodies of the Public Administration System" and "Public Administration System" of the Republic of Armenia. Notably, the National Security Service is included in the structures subordinate to the Prime Minister of Armenia.

The rationale for the decision states that given the special nature and characteristics of the service, the head of the National Security Service and their deputies frequently participate personally in security operations, and during these operations, they organize and lead the actions within their authority, instilling a sense of responsibility among their subordinates to perform their duties more vigilantly and diligently.

Legislative changes will also grant the personnel of the National Security Service the right to use vehicles belonging to individuals and organizations during the execution of security operations.

Furthermore, the external intelligence service will not be allowed to involve National Security Service employees as cooperating individuals, and vacant positions in the external intelligence service will also be filled by personnel from the National Security Service.

The adoption of this initiative has been deemed urgent, and the project was developed by the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia.