Armenian MP anticipates arrest after immunity lifted

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian lawmaker Artur Sargsyan visited the Investigative Committee today, certain that he would be arrested, as parliament debated the Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan’s request to detain him.

“These arrests reflect their fears. Our detention will not stop anything. I am confident the Armenian nation will rise and remove this traitorous regime,” Sargsyan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

During today’s session of the National Assembly, 62 of 107 MPs voted in favor of the motion that lifted Sargsyan’s parliamentary immunity and authorized the launch of a public criminal prosecution against him. Debate continues over the decision to detain him.

Sargsyan is accused of acts under Article 43-308, Part 1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code—preparation of terrorism—and Article 43-419, Part 1—preparation of seizure of power.

The motion to initiate public prosecution relates to a criminal case against leaders and members of the “Sacred Struggle” movement for preparing terrorism and an attempted seizure of power.