Today Marks the 12th Anniversary of the Tragic Events of March 1

Exactly 12 years ago, tragic events occurred in the center of Yerevan, resulting in the death of 10 citizens. Following the presidential elections on February 18, 2008, supporters of Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan gathered in Liberty Square demanding a review of the election results. They held round-the-clock rallies at Liberty Square for 10 days. On the morning of March 1, police forcefully dispersed the gathering at Liberty Square. People began to assemble near the statue of Myasnikyan. Later that evening, President Robert Kocharyan declared a state of emergency.

The clashes resulted in the deaths of 10 citizens, including two police officers, and around 200 people sustained various degrees of injuries. A significant number of individuals were arrested and detained on charges of participating in mass disturbances.

Notably, in the case of 'March 1', charges are brought against the second president of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, former Defense Minister Mikayel Harutyunyan, Yuri Khachaturov, and former Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan for attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. Former Presidents Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Serzh Sargsyan have been interrogated as witnesses.

Photo: Hetq.am