Former Police Troops Commander Grigor Grigoryan Prosecuted Over Use of Tear Gas Grenades During March 1, 2008 Protests

YEREVAN — A prosecutor’s decision dated September 4, 2026, has launched a public criminal prosecution against Grigor Grigoryan, also known as “Sheriff,” in connection with the events of March 1–2, 2008, in Yerevan.

Grigoryan served as commander of Armenia’s police troops and deputy chief of police from 2003 until July 2, 2008. He is being prosecuted under Article 376, Part 2 of Armenia’s 2003 Criminal Code, which concerns negligent performance of official duties resulting in serious consequences.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the criminal investigation found that Grigoryan, in his capacity as commander, failed to take appropriate measures despite the absence at the time of the necessary legal regulations governing the use of special equipment by Armenia’s police troops.

Investigators allege that, as a result of negligent performance of his duties, Grigoryan failed to ensure that units under his command were equipped with suitable, non-expired special-purpose weapons and devices, or that their safe and proper use was organized.

In particular, prosecutors allege that during the events of March 1, 2008, near the intersection of Paronyan Street, St. Grigor Lusavorich Street, Leo Street and Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan, Grigoryan either directly or through subordinate commanders ordered police troops to fire Cheryomukha-7 tear gas grenades from KS-23 special carbines toward demonstrators.

According to the statement, the Cheryomukha-7 grenades were designed for use in enclosed spaces.

“Without established regulations governing the use of special equipment and without prior warning, expired and unsuitable devices that were subject to destruction were unlawfully deployed. Among them were Cheryomukha-7 tear gas grenades intended for use in enclosed spaces, which were fired from KS-23 special carbines in the direction of demonstrators,” the statement said.

Prosecutors said the use of the devices resulted in the deaths of three demonstrators, while two others suffered serious injuries and one sustained injuries of moderate severity.

Grigoryan has also previously run for parliament on the candidate list of the Prosperous Armenia Party.