Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said former National Security Service (NSS) Director Armen Abazyan "deserved a break," addressing his dismissal during a conversation with journalists.

Pashinyan denied widespread speculation that Abazyan was removed from office for allegedly refusing to stage an operation in front of businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s house, according to Aysor.am .

“The NSS director could not have refused to carry out any of my orders,” the Prime Minister stated.

Political analyst Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan wrote on his Facebook page that Abazyan’s dismissal is linked to his alleged refusal to act against Karapetyan.

He also noted recent reports suggesting that the NSS had declined to take action against citizens who came to welcome the Catholicos at the airport.