Former Police Officials Charged in March 1, 2008 Events
Yerevan, February 12 – The Anti-Corruption Committee announced that charges have been filed against two more former high-ranking officials in connection with the March 1, 2008 criminal case. The individuals are accused of organizing the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Liberty Square on March 1, 2008.
According to information provided by the committee to media outlets, the charges were brought against the former commander of the Patrol-Guard Regiment of the Yerevan City Police Department and his deputy, who held these positions at the time of the events.
Media reports identify these officials as Robert Melkonyan, former Deputy Police Chief of Yerevan, and Valeriy Osipyan, former Police Chief of Armenia.
Details of the Charges
The charges specifically relate to their alleged role in organizing the actions of various police units that used force and special measures to disperse peaceful sit-in protesters in Liberty Square on March 1, 2008.
The March 1, 2008 events refer to a series of mass protests that took place in Yerevan following the presidential election. These protests escalated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in casualties and numerous injuries.
The investigation into the March 1 events has been ongoing for many years, with various officials being implicated and charged over time. The latest charges against Melkonyan and Osipyan mark a significant development in the continuing legal process.
Background on the Officials
Valeriy Osipyan served as the Chief of Police of Armenia from May 2018 to September 2019. Prior to that, he held various positions within the police force, including the head of the Yerevan City Police Department’s Patrol-Guard Regiment during the 2008 events.
Robert Melkonyan also held prominent positions within the police system, serving as the Deputy Police Chief of Yerevan during the period in question.
The Anti-Corruption Committee continues its work to fully investigate all circumstances surrounding the March 1, 2008 events and bring all responsible parties to justice.
The charges against these former officials underscore the ongoing efforts to address past human rights abuses and ensure accountability within the Armenian law enforcement system.
