4 Armenian MPs deprived of privilege of parliamentMarch 4, 2008 - 19:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - During March 4 extra session, the Armenian National Assembly decided to deprive of privilege Hakob Hakobyan, Myasnik Malkhasyan, Sasoun Mikaelyan and Khachatur Sukiasyan of privilege of parliament. Prosecutor general Aghvan Hovsepyan petitioned for arrest of four deputies. "Not accepting the outcomes of the February 19 presidential election, Levon Ter-Petrosyan and his supporters launched a series of unauthorized rallies calling for civil disobedience. The Police and National Security Council were informed that iron batons, exploding assemblies and weapons will be distributed among the demonstrators on March 1. However, the attempt to conduct a search in Liberty Square met fierce resistance of protesters," Hovsepyan said. "The disorders continued at the French Embassy. As result, 100 policemen were injured and one, Hamlet Tadevosyan, was killed. The protesters burnt 63 cars. 8 were killed, 165 wounded. The melee was stopped only after imposition of emergency rule. A criminal case was initiated. Investigation is underway," he said. "The evidence the office possess is enough to implead Hakob Hakobyan, Myasnik Malkhasyan, Sasoun Mikaelyan and Khachatur Sukiasyan in compliance with article 225.3 and 300.1 of the RA Penal Code," the prosecutor general said. Sasoun Mikaelyan and Khachatur Sukiasyan were not present at the session. Their location is unknown. Hakob Hakobyan and Myasnik Malkhasyan denied accusations. They said they "never called for overthrow of the authorities but pledged to be near the people." Heritage faction (supporting Levon Ter-Petrsosyan) condemned the prosecutor general's petition describing it as political persecution. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |