Following the recently concluded parliamentary elections in Armenia, tension in the domestic political arena has reached its peak. The country's Prosecutor General's Office has taken action to initiate a criminal prosecution against the former president and leader of the "Armenia" (Hayastan) bloc, Robert Kocharyan.
According to Medianews.az, citing foreign media, the Prosecutor General’s Office has sent an official petition to the Central Election Commission (CEC) requesting permission to initiate a criminal prosecution against Robert Kocharyan and to select a preventive measure against him.
According to the information, the petition submitted to the CEC not only concerns the ex-president but also examines the issue of opening criminal cases against Asatur Kocharyan and Ruslan Barseghyan, who are listed among the candidates for deputies in the bloc led by him. It should be noted that candidates for deputy in the parliamentary elections have immunity status, so the prosecutor's office must first obtain the consent of the CEC in accordance with the legislation. The law enforcement agencies have not yet officially disclosed details regarding which specific criminal case or charges the petition is based on.
It should be recalled that immediately after the official announcement of the results of the parliamentary elections held on June 7, Robert Kocharyan's attempt to leave the country was prevented. He was detained at the Zvartnots International Airport in the capital Yerevan, and a ban was imposed on his leaving the country. Opposition leaders evaluate these steps as post-election political pressure and a revenge campaign by the authorities. (nocommentaz)