4 Armenian MPs deprived of privilege of parliament

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.