The issue of nominating Gagik Jhangiryan for the post of member of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which is being discussed at the special sitting of the National Assembly (NA) on Friday, has caused a wave of criticism in Armenia.

Several opposition figures have said that, in this way, the authorities are trying to have an effect on the country's judiciary.

SJC chairman Ruben Vardazaryan had noted that Jhangiryan's age does not allow him to run for SJC member.

The ruling My Step bloc has nominated two candidates for the post of SJC member: Gagik Jhangiryan and Davit Khachaturyan.

At present, a protest is being held in front of the NA against the latter’s current discussion of Jhangiryan's candidacy.

To note, Gagik Jhangiryan held the position of Deputy Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia in the 1990s, and later was the military prosecutor.