The Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes as follows, in particular: The passions surrounding [ruling] Civil Contract [(CC)] Party member, former MP Hayk Sargsyan have not yet subsided in the CC.

Sargsyan, let us recall, had publicly criticized former NA [i.e. National Assembly] president Alen Simonyan, accusing him of sponsoring the casino business [in Armenia] and promoting legislative initiatives serving the interests of that sector. In other words, he dared to speak about internal issues.

According to Zhoghovurd daily’s CC sources, it is not ruled out that Hayk Sargsyan’s matter will get a final resolution within the party today.

According to our information, two options are being discussed. In the first case, Sargsyan will be summoned to the CC supervisory committee, where he will be asked to provide clarifications on the statements he made, after which the committee will make a respective decision or submit a proposal to the leadership.

In the second option, the CC board may demand that the supervisory committee submit all the materials and facts at the disposal of the party regarding Hayk Sargsyan. They will already be discussed at the party leadership level—in the CC board, and under the leadership of [PM] Nikol Pashinyan, a decision will be made whether to expel Sargsyan from the party or limit it to another reprimand.

It is noteworthy that the issue has long been beyond the scope of solely internal party discipline. Let us recall that Nikol Pashinyan, in a briefing with reporters, referring to Hayk Sargsyan’s scandalous statements, had said that as a result, “someone must sit [in prison].” However, the prime minister had not mentioned any names.

Zhoghovurd had earlier informed that on September 11, criminal proceedings were initiated in the Anti-Corruption Committee regarding Sargsyan's statements under Article 441, Section 2, Paragraph 2 of the RA Criminal Code—regarding abuse of governmental or official authority or the influence resulting from it, or abuse of authority by an official.