The following comparison speaks for itself. Though I, too, am not sure what to make of the similarities, in the very least it suggests that Armenian authorities have truly taken a page from the history books, and NOT the books they claim to be reading. While the Armenian government hoists the flag of human rights at every turn of the corner and calls itself an aspiring democracy, its actions as of late are almost frighteningly similar to those of some of the most oppressive one-party system regimes of the 20th Century. But let me not lecture you on this; let the facts speak for themselves.

Poland, 1981

In 1981, the People’s Republic of Poland imposed martial law in an attempt to crush the peaceful political opposition movement that had taken shape in the country. While such powers were intended to apply during wartime, the ruling coalition put itself above the law and imposed martial law, nevertheless. Approximately 100 people were killed, and thousands arrested without charge. A number of peaceful pro-democracy organizations were banned, and their leaders detained overnight. In less than twenty-four hours after martial law was declared, armed forces littered the streets in military vehicles. In one particular incident, ZOMO commandos killed nine people while dispersing a peaceful protest. Public assembly was prohibited and the media placed under military control.

Armenia, 2008

On March 1, 2008 the Republic of Armenia declared martial law in an attempt to crush the peaceful political opposition movement that had taken shape in the country. While the Armenian Constitution does not specify that such powers are intended to apply during wartime only, it most definitely can be construed in such a manner to make its imposition in this particular case unconstitutional. Dozens of people were arrested, at least 8 killed, and hundreds injured in the government-instigated violence that ensued throughout the day of March 1, 2008. A number of peaceful opposition leaders were detained (and continue to remain in custody). In fact, some Parliamentarians even discussed lifting immunity from those members of parliament who had joined ranks with the opposition. In less than twenty-four hours after martial law was declared, armed forces littered the streets in military vehicles. In one particular incident, military commandos and riot police killed at least seven people while dispersing a peaceful protest. Public assembly has been prohibited and the media severely censored.


Recently Foreign Minister Oskanian commented that the ball was in Levon Ter-Petrossian’s court. I must respectfully disagree. The ball has always been in the State’s court, and how it chooses to play with it will determine whether Armenia will become a hypocrisy, or a true democracy.