Armenia decides to re-investigate disorders of March 1, 2008

The Special Investigatory Service (SIS) in charge of investigating the dispersal of the mass opposition rallies on March 1, 2008, has issued a statement urging people to help in investigating the events of those days. The service decided to revise the investigation of the "March 1" case.

The SIS has addressed the citizens of the country with a request to be active in solving the crimes committed in the heart of the capital three years ago and, in particular, the death of ten innocent victims.

"If necessary, the SIS will guarantee confidentiality, up to the use of witness protection measures as prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Republic of Armenia," said the statement.

Vaagn Arutyunyan, one of the top officials of the SIS, told Radio Liberty that the investigation into the "March 1" case will be reconsidered altogether. According to his story, today an operative discussion was convoked by A. Mirzoyan, head of the Special Investigatory Service of Armenia, in the context of the demand, voiced by the country's president, to conduct a detailed investigation of the events that took place three years ago.

As a result of the discussions, it was decided to review all the evidences obtained in the course of the preliminary investigation. All the versions, evidences and examinations will be reconsidered. The head of the SIS has ordered to pay special attention to witnesses' previous evidences and examination conclusions. If necessary, additional examinations will be appointed.