Opposition Demands Criminal Case Against PM Pashinyan for Alleged Complicity in Ethnic Cleansing

Protests erupted today as opposition groups in Armenia gathered outside the General Prosecutor's Office, calling for a criminal case to be initiated against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The protesters accuse Pashinyan of complicity in genocide and ethnic cleansing related to Azerbaijan's recent actions in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

The demonstration, which demanded the Prime Minister's resignation, took a dramatic turn when opposition members brought a scarecrow dressed as a prisoner, symbolizing Pashinyan. The police quickly confiscated the scarecrow, leading to a brief scuffle between the protesters and law enforcement. Fortunately, no arrests were made during the altercation.

The opposition claims that Azerbaijan's attack on Nagorno-Karabakh and the mass displacement of its residents constitute genocide. They argue that the Armenian government, led by Pashinyan, was complicit by failing to protect the people of Artsakh. 

Hovhannes Khudoyan, a lawyer representing the movement, stated, “Armenia had a responsibility to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh, as laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.” He stressed that these documents affirm Armenia's duty to protect its citizens, including those in Nagorno-Karabakh, and that the government failed to fulfill this responsibility.

While the opposition blames the government for the tragic events in Artsakh, members of Pashinyan's "Civil Contract" party have shifted the blame back onto the opposition. MP Vahagn Aleksanyan accused the opposition of contributing to the chaos in Nagorno-Karabakh by undermining negotiations and forcing a change in leadership within the region. He claimed that these actions ultimately worsened the situation and led to the displacement of more than 100,000 people and the deaths of over 200 soldiers and civilians.

Aleksanyan defended the government's efforts, stating, “The Armenian government urged Nagorno-Karabakh’s leaders to negotiate, but opposition forces disrupted the process, leading to the violent change in leadership and further escalation.”

In addition to calling for Pashinyan’s resignation, opposition groups submitted two criminal complaints. One focuses on the Prime Minister's speech at the United Nations on September 27, where he mentioned the possibility of amending Armenia’s Constitution if the Peace Treaty with Azerbaijan contradicts it. Khudoyan emphasized that public statements like this can fuel "hostile propaganda" and should be investigated as potential acts of treason.

The second complaint involves the opposition’s demand for a criminal case to be initiated against the leaders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan for their roles in what they call the "genocide" of the Artsakh population.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has confirmed that an investigation into Azerbaijan's aggression in September 2023 is ongoing, but they have not disclosed details due to the secrecy of the preliminary investigation. This has frustrated the opposition, which believes the government is stalling and failing to pursue justice for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

As tensions continue to rise, Archbishop Bagrat, a prominent opposition figure, has resumed leading gatherings after a three-month hiatus. Although he has been vocal about his demands for justice, he has remained relatively quiet on his future plans for action.

As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that will bring justice to those affected by the war and mass exodus in Nagorno-Karabakh.