NSS confirms releasing Kocharyan airport video

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's National Security Service (NSS) has confirmed that it provided pro-government media outlets with video footage showing former President Robert Kocharyan at the passport control checkpoint of Zvartnots International Airport.

In response to an inquiry, the agency stated that it is authorised to disclose information under its control whenever it considers it appropriate. Factor.am reported the reply.

The inquiry sought clarification on how footage recorded at the passport checkpoint of Zvartnots Airport, which is overseen by the NSS, became public after attracting widespread attention.

On June 14, one week after the elections, several pro-government media outlets published 12-second videos under headlines claiming Kocharyan had been trying to flee or leave Armenia. The footage shows the former president holding his passport while standing at the checkpoint located within an area controlled by NSS border guards, where filming by other individuals is prohibited.

The NSS did not explain the procedure through which the recording was released or identify the official who authorised its publication.

The agency's response closely mirrored comments made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a June 18 news conference.

“What should an internal investigation be launched over? An NSS employee can decide whether to leak something or not. What's the problem?” Pashinyan said.