Law enforcers acted within their authority - RA premier 

ArmInfo.  The Republic of Armenia and its law enforcement agencies act within their authority and the mandate granted by the people. This is how Armenian Prime Minister  Nikol Pashinyan commented to journalists during a briefing on July 9  on the detention of Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik  Tsarukyan.

The published footage of Gagik Tsarukyan's detention shows NSS  officers violently detaining the politician and forcing him to the  ground, despite him offering no resistance. These actions provoked a  negative reaction in Armenian society.

Asked whether Pashinyan's arrest could be considered fulfilling his  campaign promises, the prime minister stated that he would only be  able to speak about this once all stolen goods are returned to the  state and those responsible are held accountable. "And what remains  will be what the circles you know deserve. And when those responsible  for the March 1 case are held accountable. Then I will consider my  campaign promises fulfilled. Right now, I don't think that's the  case," he said.

The prime minister noted that the expectation of the government and  the people of Armenia is for the judicial system to function  properly. He added that until such issues become national and  politically charged, they remain within the framework of the existing  system.

Commenting on allegations of political persecution, Pashinyan  emphasized that, in his view, the situation was quite the opposite.

"The tentacles of the previous system operating within the state  system created a hothouse environment for many. This must end,  including within the mandate granted by the people," the prime  minister declared.