12:56, 25 March 2008

Ex-prime minister of Armenia charged of organizing mass disorders

The Special Investigatory Group has presented an indictment under several Articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia to Aram Sarkisyan, former prime minister, leader of the "Republic" Party and member of the Central Election Office of Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed about it by Artak Zeinalyan, member of the Political Board of the "Republic" Party.

The former prime minister is accused under Articles 225.1 and 225.3 ("Organization of mass disorders") and under Article 300.1 ("Power usurpation"). Mr Zeinalyan has explained that recognizance not to leave Armenia was chosen as Sarkisyan's freedom restriction measure.

The decision of V. Arutyunyan, inspector of the Special Investigatory Group, in relation to Aram Sarkisyan states that the latter had come to conspiracy with his accomplices, who were supporters of Levon Ter-Petrosyan, to seize power by force in violation of the Constitution.

In particular, Mr Sarkisyan took part in the events aimed at compromising the election, inspiring mistrust to the outcomes thereof into the international community and broad layers of the society.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan, CK correspondent