Analyst warns of 'collapse of law enforcement' in Armenia

Political analyst Suren Surenyants has warned that the recent increse  in crime rates across Armenia signals a “collapse” of the country’s law enforcement system, which he claims poses a national security threat.

Commenting on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent remarks at the Investigative Committee, where the premier questioned why crime continues to rise, Surenyants argued that the problem lies within the government itself.

According to him, the crisis stems from several key factors:

1. Law enforcement agencies no longer serve the law but act as tools of political power. Instead of ensuring people's safety, police and investigators focus on crackdown on oppositionists, fostering a sense of impunity among criminals.

2. Appointments in investigative and security structures are made based on political loyalty rather than professional skills, weakening the system from within.

3. When the authorities violate or circumvents the constitution and other laws, society begins to view lawbreaking as normal. Impunity at the top encourages lawlessness on the streets.

4. Rising unemployment, poverty and inequality are driving people toward crime as a means of survival.

In a social media post on Friday, Surenyants warned that the disintegration of law enforcement has become not merely a governance issue, but “an imminent threat to national security”.

“When the state can no longer protect the lives of its citizens or uphold public order and legality, it endangers not only social stability, but also the nation’s sovereignty and viability,” he wrote.

Surenyants stated that Pashinyan’s question “What are we doing wrong?” has a simple answer.

“The state is failing in its most fundamental duty to protect its citizens and restore the rule of law,” the analyst said.