You Cannot Solve the Problem with Only This Law: MP on Legislation Relating to Criminal Subculture

“When it is said that you cannot solve the problem with only this law, it creates the impression that it was asserted that it would be solved only by this. However, such a thing has not happened. There has been no ambition that we will adopt a law, and the phenomenon will completely disappear,” explained MP Suren Grigoryan from the ‘My Step’ faction during a briefing in the National Assembly, referring to the law concerning criminal subculture.

In response to observations, the MP emphasized that this law addresses the cause of the phenomenon that breeds criminal elements, rather than its consequences. He recalled instances from previous times when meetings took place with criminal authorities. “Representatives of the authorities frequently met during general celebrations. We all remember the videos—there were criminal authorities; everyone knows that they have such a status. If the state is weak and exhibits such behavior, it should not be surprising that such phenomena can arise.”

Regarding the situation of changing the measure of restraint for Arsen Babayan, MP Sisak Gabrielyan's guarantee was interpreted by Suren Grigoryan as follows: “This does not mean that Gabrielyan has a positive attitude towards Mr. Babayan's actions, or alleged actions.” The MP urged distinguishing between the wet and the dry but also stressed that he is not saying that Babayan is a criminal authority—this is about something else. As for Sasun Mikayelyan, according to the MP, he found that there are no grounds for the imprisonment of a person who is a criminal authority, and it does not follow from the purposes of the investigation that a particular person should be at liberty. This is why a personal guarantee has been presented.