Former Police Troops Commander Grigor Grigoryan’s March 1 Case Sent to Court

YEREVAN — Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office has submitted an indictment against former Police Troops Commander Grigor Grigoryan to court in connection with the deadly events of March 1, 2008, in Yerevan.

Grigoryan is accused of negligence in the performance of his official duties, allegedly resulting in the deaths of three people, serious injuries to two others, and moderate injuries to another individual.

According to prosecutors, Grigoryan ordered the use of expired Cheryomukha-7 tear gas grenades fired from KS-23 special-purpose carbines toward demonstrators without proper legal authorization or prior warning.

The criminal investigation found that Grigoryan, while serving as commander of the Armenian Police Troops, failed to ensure that subordinate units were equipped with serviceable, unexpired special-purpose equipment and that appropriate safety procedures were established for its use.

Prosecutors stated that the necessary legal regulations governing the use of such equipment by police troops were not in place in 2008. Despite these deficiencies, Grigoryan allegedly failed to take appropriate measures to ensure the safe and lawful use of special equipment.

During the March 1 demonstrations, which took place near the intersection of Paronyan, St. Gregory the Illuminator, and Leo streets and Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan, Grigoryan allegedly issued orders directly and through subordinate commanders to fire Cheryomukha-7 tear gas grenades toward protesters.

The grenades, designed for use in enclosed spaces, were reportedly expired, unsuitable for use, and subject to disposal.

According to the indictment, their unlawful deployment without prior warning resulted in the deaths of three demonstrators, serious injuries to two others, and moderate injuries to another.

On October 7, prosecutors forwarded the criminal case and approved indictment against Grigoryan to the Yerevan Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction.