On March 1, 2008, a horrific crime was committed, and its responsibility, naturally, lies with the authorities of that time. Uncovering that crime is of paramount importance for establishing justice in our state.
However, I have no faith, no trust whatsoever in a law-enforcement system that is run by the current political authorities and blindly follows their instructions. This is the same system that keeps the mayors of Gyumri and Masis behind bars, three bishops, as well as Samvel Karapetyan—simply because he raised his voice in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church; the same system that imprisons journalists and opposition figures.
So why should I believe Pashinyan’s investigators and prosecutors when they claim they will seriously deal with the March 1 case? In 2018–2019 they “investigated”—in a pointless, performative way—the absurd, ill-constructed charge of “overthrowing constitutional order.” Then they took a six-year “pause” and now, with just a few months left until the elections, they have decided to “reopen” the case—obviously for propaganda and political purposes.
Now there will be new discussions, possibly new trials. People who, for one reason or another, hold negative views of Robert Kocharyan will have the opportunity to speak out on various platforms. This is a perfectly convenient agenda for the authorities on the eve of elections, especially now, when Kocharyan appears poised to participate as the leader of a political force.
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Had Kocharyan no intention of running in the upcoming parliamentary elections, no one would have remembered “March 1.” Had Vardan Ghukasyan not been elected mayor, 10–15-year-old cases would have stayed in the drawers. Had Davit Hambardzumyan not been the “I Have Honor” alliance’s candidate for prime minister, his previously closed case would not have been reopened.
In reality, there is no justice system or law enforcement in Armenia. There are only employees serving Pashinyan’s political interests and whims.
Under these circumstances, the March 1 case will not be solved.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
