Within the framework of the criminal proceedings initiated regarding the events that took place in Yerevan on March 1-2, 2008, the prosecutor, on his own initiative, on April 18, 2026, initiated a public criminal prosecution against the former head of the RA Central Police Police, H.H., in accordance with part 2 of Article 38-309 of the Criminal Code adopted on April 18, 2003 (transfer of official powers by an official). aiding and abetting, combined with the use of violence, weapons or special measures) and part 2 of Article 315 (official negligence, which negligently caused the death of a person or other serious consequences).

This is reported by the Prosecutor’s Office.

In the criminal proceedings, it was found that H.H., occupying the position of Chief of Police under the RA Government from 2003 to May 29, 2008, carrying out the general management of the RA Police, passing his official powers on March 1, 2008, in collusion with other high-ranking officials of the RA Police, organized riots in the city of Yerevan, combined with the use of violence and special measures by various police units. Dispersing the peaceful sit-in demonstration in “Freedom” Square, forcefully removing the protesters from the square, and then in the central parts of the city exclusion of gatherings, possible demonstrations and gatherings, which actions caused significant damage to the rights and legal interests of individuals, as well as the legal interests of society and the state.

The basis of the other charge brought against H.H., who held the position of Police Chief, is the fact that H.H., as the head of the police state administration body, is obliged to submit to the consideration of the Government of the Republic of Armenia drafts and recommendations of normative legal acts related to the activities and organization of the work of the police, including the procedure for the use of “Cheryomukha 7” tear gas and “Zarya” light and other special means, but did not fulfill this duty.

Considering that H.H. died in 2019, the decision to initiate a public criminal prosecution against him was handed over to his legal representative, his wife.

H.H.’s wife objected to stop the public criminal prosecution against H.H. based on the death of the accused.

The materials of the criminal proceedings No. 62292726 separated from the criminal proceedings No. 62202608 by the supervising prosecutor were returned to the body conducting the proceedings, the Anti-Corruption Committee, to take measures to complete the preliminary investigation with an indictment.

Notice: the person accused of a crime is considered innocent until his guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure established by the Code of Criminal Procedure by a legally binding court verdict.

—