The Hard Reaction of the Prime Minister or Would Hovhannes Kocharyan Leave Regardless?

The newspaper ‘Zhamanak’ writes: The head of the police headquarters, Deputy Police Chief Hovhannes Kocharyan, was dismissed from his position yesterday. The change of this high-ranking police official is undoubtedly interesting, especially amidst ongoing personnel reshuffles within the leadership of the security sector. However, Kocharyan’s dismissal becomes especially noteworthy against the backdrop of his recent statement.

Recently, Hovhannes Kocharyan announced that the police do not agree with a legislative initiative regarding the police that would allow for a non-systemic individual, effectively a political figure, to be appointed to the position of police chief. According to him, the police view this as an approach to solving current political issues, while the police have their own approach that is more focused on long-term questions.

It is known that a legislative initiative, authored by the ‘Bright Armenia’ party, is currently under discussion in parliament, which would allow for the appointment of individuals over the age of 25 as heads of the NSS and police, irrespective of their ties to the system. The NSS's stance on this issue is unclear; however, the Deputy Police Chief, who announced the police’s disagreement, was, in fact, dismissed the following day.

Does this signify a harsh reaction from the Prime Minister, or was Hovhannes Kocharyan destined to leave anyway, with his prior statement simply adding intrigue to his exit? One thing is clear: the law enforcement system continues to undergo a phase of restructuring, and it is practically possible to note a ‘velvet’ process of changes in the leadership of that bloc. More details in today’s issue of the newspaper.