The criminal case against Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan has no connection with democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.

The National Assembly faction of the now former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)—which, however, still has majority in parliament—has issued a statement with such content.

As per this statement, the RPA faction finds that this criminal case will deeply undermine Armenia’s domestic political developments, it encourages societal split in the country, this case is problematic in terms of lawfulness—especially with respect to constitutionality, and that the RPA faction will voice—through parliamentary diplomacy—these developments also at relevant international platforms and with formats.

A charge has been brought against second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, former Defense Minister Mikayel Harutyunyan, and incumbent CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov—who was deputy Defense Minister during the events that transpired in capital city Yerevan on March 1 and 2, 2008—within the framework of the criminal case into these events, and under Article 300.1 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code; that is, breaching Armenia’s constitutional order, in conspiracy with others.

Harutyunyan is not in Armenia, and therefore a search for him was declared; Khachaturov was released on bail, whereas Kocharyan has been remanded in custody for two months by a court decision.

On March 1 and 2, 2008, the then authorities used force against the opposition members who were rallying in downtown Yerevan, and against the results of the recent presidential election. Eight demonstrators as well as two servicemen of the internal troops were killed in the clashes. But no one had been brought to account for these deaths, to this day.