14:36, 22 March 2023
YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS. Lawmakers representing the ruling Civil Contract party did not participate in a vote on Wednesday initiated by the opposition seeking the ouster of Justice Seda Safaryan, effectively blocking the motion.
The opposition Hayastan faction submitted a motion for removing Constitutional Court Judge Seda Safaryan from her position for what they describe as violations of requirements on holding office at the time of her appointment. The opposition MPs claim that Justice Safaryan failed to renounce her entrepreneurial interests after she assumed office in December 2022, violating the requirements of the law. By law, justices are required to abandon any business interests or entrepreneurial activities within thirty days after taking office. Justice Safaryan took office 16 December 2022 and her entrepreneurial interests were officially renounced only on 27 January 2023.
However, MP Arusyak Julhakyan cited State Revenue Committee data claiming that Safaryan had indeed notified the authorities on suspending her activities and the issue is due to formalities regarding paperwork. The opposition dismissed the explanations and still demanded her removal.
Ruling party MPs announced that they will not take part in the vote. The number of votes garnered by the opposition MPs was insufficient for the motion to pass.