Grigor Grigoryan case sent to court over 2008 March 1 events

The prosecution has sent the case regarding former Armenian Police commander Grigor Grigoryan to court. The criminal proceedings relate to the events that took place in Yerevan on March 1-2, 2008.

Grigoryan, who served as the commander of the police forces and deputy police chief from 2003 to July 2008, is charged with negligent attitude toward service that resulted in serious consequences. The prosecution alleges that Grigoryan failed to ensure the safe and proper use of weaponry and ignored the lack of legal frameworks for using special measures.

Specifically, it is alleged that during the events on March 1, 2008, near the intersection of Paronyan, St. Grigor Lusavorich, and Leo streets, and Mashtots Avenue, Grigoryan and his subordinates ordered the use of expired and improper tear gas canisters (Chernomukha-7) in enclosed spaces. The use of these special measures without warning resulted in the deaths of three protesters and caused serious or moderate-to-serious injuries to several others.