In response to the question whether Robert Kocharyan does not direct the arrows towards the Republican Party while stating that those who hindered the uncovering processes of the March 1 case should be arrested, Republican member, former Justice Minister David Harutyunyan said: “I do not perceive it that way, I think it was more of a rhetorical question, that if someone thinks that there were obstacles and hinderers, then, first of all, it is necessary to find out who those were. You should not change the shades”.
In response to the question whether why the case has not been disclosed during these years, David Harutyunyan said: “The situation created on March 1, 2008, was really hard and I cannot honestly accuse someone of killing if the murders were not revealed. As for declaring a state of emergency, this is what I think: the situation in the center of Yerevan in those days was such that not declaring a state of emergency could lead to having more victims”.
Asked whether he shares Kocharyan’s view that in this way they are trying to neutralize the latter from the upcoming political processes, David Harutyunyan responded: “This is a political assessment. I notice some tendency while looking at the overall picture. It refers not only to Kocharyan but all military officials who have had a firm position in regard to Armenian-Azerbaijani relations for many years. I see some tendency to accuse those persons first of all”.
Mass protests were held in Armenia, after presidential elections on 2008. The protests were organized by the supporters of the First President of Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosian. During the protest held on March 1, 2008, clashes broke out between police and protesters. President Robert Kocharyan declared a 20-day state of emergency.
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
