The former Prosecutor General of Armenia, Gevorg Kostanyan, and the former head of the investigative team in the “March 1” case, Vahagn Harutyunyan, are wanted in connection with the case. Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia, Artur Nahapetyan, announced this at the National Assembly during Tuesday’s public discussion on the case into the tragedy that had occurred in the capital, Yerevan, on March 1, 2008.

In turn, Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan stated that Armenia will soon petition  to Russia for the expedited extradition of Gevorg Kostanyan. Also, Armenia intends to ensure the extradition of Vahagn Harutyunyan, too. Both former high-ranking officials are accused of abusing official powers, falsifying evidence, and obstructing the investigation of the “March 1” case.

“According to the Armenian side’s data, both are currently in Russia. We are working with Russia within the framework of a multilateral agreement—the Kishinev Convention. However, the Russian side has not yet given consent to the extradition. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia will soon submit a new petition to Russia, requesting to discuss again the previously rejected petition,” Vardapetyan said.

Eight protesters and two servicemen of the Internal Troops of Armenia were killed on March 1, 2008, during the clashes in downtown Yerevan between the authorities and the opposition.