Thank You for the Smile Given. Mayor Marutyan's Response to Khachakyan's Crime Report

The head of the council's ‘Light’ faction, Davit Khachakyan, referred to Mayor Hayk Marutyan being on vacation and that during this period, the Deputy Mayor was substituting for Marutyan.

“During that time, Hayk Sargsyan adopted over 70 legal acts, mayoral decisions, and directives,” said Khachakyan.

He noted that it has been shown on the city hall's website that there were three actors of the mayor in one day.

“It still needs to be clarified how this transformation occurred, since the time period you defined has been clear, and you have legally transferred your powers to Hrachya Sargsyan,” Khachakyan stated.

He mentioned that it is a gross violation of the law for any official other than the mayor and his first deputy to sign the mayor's decisions and exercise the powers.

“This is a very dangerous precedent,” declared the leader of the ‘Light’ faction, addressing the law enforcement bodies.

Khachakyan insisted that executing the mayor's powers did not stem from Hayk Sargsyan's authorities. He pointed out that through some trickery, Hayk Sargsyan's decisions were removed, but two actors of the same day were left—the mayor and those exercising the powers.

Hayk Marutyan's advisor also stated that the law does not regulate cases when for some reasons the deputy mayor may also be absent.

“Naturally, in this context, the city hall cannot remain in a state of ungovernability,” said Marutyan's advisor Hambardzumyan.

Mayor Hayk Marutyan announced he does not understand why the agenda of the session is being deviated.

“Brother, you come and speak on a matter that is unrelated to the agenda, especially since we were going to have specific time for this,” Marutyan said.

Davit Khachakyan responded that in any legal practice, the mayor's powers cannot be seen as any other authority.

“I am addressing the prosecutor's office to initiate a criminal case under Article 309 of the Criminal Code regarding the abuse of official powers. Consider this as a public report of a crime,” Khachakyan added.

“Thank you for at least giving a smile, Mr. Khachakyan. Let’s move on,” responded Mayor Hayk Marutyan.