YEREVAN—Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a televised address to the nation, issued an apology to the victims of the March 1, 2008 post-election protests, during which eight civilians and two police officers were killed by security officials who were ordered to quell opposition revolt against the presidential election results.
The case has gained new impetus since Pashinyan came to power after last spring’s popular protests that overthrew the previous regime. Judicial inquires and investigations have led to the arrest of former president Robert Kocharian who is custody awaiting trial. Investigators have also questions the two other presidents, Serzh Sarkisian and Levon Ter-Petrosian in connection with the incidents but have not filed charges against them.
“Today, on March 1, 2019, I would like to clearly state that there cannot be a return to the morals and relationships of the past. Armenia will not return to the times of corruption, political persecutions, political violence, violations of rights, impunity and obscenity,” Pashinyan said in his televised address.