Armenia opens public criminal proceedings in “March 1” case

Armenian prosecutors have initiated public criminal proceedings against Grigor Grigoryan, known as “Sheriff,” in connection with the long-running investigation into the deadly “March 1” events of 2008.

The case relates to one of the most serious episodes in Armenia’s modern political history. On March 1, 2008, protests in Yerevan following the presidential election escalated into deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces, Caliber.Az reminds via Armenian media. 

Grigoryan served as Commander of the Police Forces and Deputy Chief of the Armenian Police from 2003 until July 2, 2008

The opposition, led by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, had rejected the official election results and held indefinite protests in Freedom Square.

Police moved to disperse the protesters in the early hours of March 1, after which demonstrations shifted to the area around the Alexander Myasnikyan monument. The situation deteriorated into large-scale clashes involving protesters, police and internal security forces.

Armenian authorities subsequently deployed the army in Yerevan and declared a state of emergency.

Ten people — eight civilians and two police officers — were killed during the unrest, while hundreds of others were injured following the use of firearms and crowd-control measures.

By Sabina Mammadli