On May 21, Serzh Sargsyan, Armenia’s Third President, spoke to journalists outside the courthouse, calling the criminal case against him a manifestation of legal maneuvering and a human tragedy.

Sargsyan addressed accusations by Edmon Marukyan claiming that his team promised unconditional support to any candidate in the impeachment process, stating that anyone who doubts this should carefully read the faction’s official statement or ask its head for clarification. The former president did not respond to further questions before entering the courtroom.

The charges against Sargsyan relate to his tenure as Minister of Defense, involving 18 episodes of large-scale embezzlement, two of money laundering, and three of complicity, specifically concerning the illegal alienation of lands near Isakov Avenue and the Yerablur military pantheon.

Regarding a press conference by former President Robert Kocharyan that mentioned him, Sargsyan declined to speculate on its intended audience but confirmed there had been several private communications before the 2018 revolution. He refuted Kocharyan’s claim of a long gap in their communication, noting it referred only to recent times. He urged journalists to review his extensive past interviews from 2018, stating he would address related questions live when he finds it appropriate.

Sargsyan confirmed his support for the impeachment process and stressed the seriousness of constitutional procedures against the incumbent Prime Minister, asking critics to consult with proponents about the process and its timing. He highlighted the opposition’s strategy to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power and acknowledged that nominating a prime minister candidate would face resistance not only from the ruling party.

He rejected claims that the targeting of him started in 2018, citing Kocharyan’s own statement that it began in 2008. When asked about accusations from Kocharyan’s team that he helped bring Nikol Pashinyan to power, Sargsyan dismissed the idea, sarcastically suggesting he would be a "masochist" if that were true.

On the differences in treatment between himself and Kocharyan regarding imprisonment, Sargsyan questioned the heroism of jail time and noted that many opposition members have been imprisoned for years, while he has continuously fought legal battles.

Regarding Armenia’s lack of reaction to Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s demands, Sargsyan speculated that the authorities might be trying to appease him or prepare a secret agreement unknown to the public. He criticized the 2021 elections, expressing that participating legitimized what he viewed as a capitulation.

Defending the impeachment call, Sargsyan explained that the opposition believes the current government’s prolonged rule harms Armenia’s interests and expressed skepticism about waiting for new elections. He raised concerns about possible detrimental agreements, such as withdrawing Russian forces or signing unfavorable peace deals with Azerbaijan, warning about irreversible territorial concessions and lost opportunities if the opposition delays action.

Finally, when asked whether his personal differences with Kocharyan or the goal of removing Pashinyan prevail, Sargsyan reaffirmed that he and his team do not seek power for themselves but aim for a change in leadership and the release of his friends imprisoned in Baku.