Within the framework of the criminal proceedings initiated in connection with the events that took place in Yerevan on March 1–2, 2008, the prosecutor, on his own initiative, on April 18, 2026, initiated public criminal prosecution against H.H., former Chief of the Police under the Government of the Republic of Armenia, under Part 2 of Article 38-309 of the Criminal Code adopted on April 18, 2003 (aiding and abetting the abuse of official powers by an official, accompanied by the use of violence, weapons or special means) and Part 2 of Article 315 (official negligence that, through negligence, resulted in the death of a person or other grave consequences).

The criminal proceedings established that H.H., who held the position of Chief of the Police under the Government of the Republic of Armenia from 2003 until May 29, 2008, and exercised overall management of the Police, on March 1, 2008, exceeding his official powers, in complicity with other high-ranking police officials, organized the dispersal of the peaceful sit-in protest held at Yerevan’s Freedom Square by various police units through the use of violence and special means, the forced removal of demonstrators from the square through violence, and subsequently the prevention of gatherings of people, possible demonstrations and assemblies in the central parts of the city.

As a result of these actions, substantial harm was caused to the rights and legitimate interests of individuals, as well as to the legitimate interests of society and the State.

The second charge brought against H.H., who served as the Chief of Police, is based on the fact that, as the head of the state administration body responsible for the police, he was obliged, in accordance with the established procedure, to submit draft normative legal acts and proposals concerning police activities and work organization for consideration by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, including the procedures for the use of the “Cheryomukha-7” tear gas agent, the “Zarya” flash-and-sound device, and other special means. However, he failed to fulfill this obligation.

Taking into account that H.H. died in 2019, the decision to initiate public criminal prosecution against him was handed over to his legal representative — his wife.

The wife of H.H. objected to the termination of the public criminal prosecution against H.H. on the grounds of the accused person’s death.

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

Notice:  A person charged with any crime shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty in the manner prescribed by the RA Criminal Procedure Code—by the judgment came into legal force.