PM Pashinyan Appoints Former Lori Governor Aram Ghazaryan as Armenia’s New Police Chief

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appointed Aram Ghazaryan as the new Chief of Police and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes just one day after Ghazaryan stepped down as governor of Lori Province.

This decision follows the surprise dismissal of Aram Hovannisyan, Armenia’s previous police chief, whose term lasted just two years but was marked by controversy, forceful crackdowns on anti-government protests, and growing public distrust. 

Ghazaryan has over a decade of leadership experience in Armenia’s law enforcement. From 2016 to 2018, he served as the chief of police in Lori Province, then moved to head the same role in Gegharkunik and later Shirak Province. In June 2023, Ghazaryan was appointed general director of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant, a post rarely filled by former police officers. 

His appointment follows the sudden removal of Aram Hovannisyan, a career officer whose time as chief was shaped by heavy-handed tactics against peaceful demonstrators. Most notably, Hovannisyan oversaw the June 2024 crackdown in downtown Yerevan, when protests erupted over Prime Minister Pashinyan’s decision to concede land to Azerbaijan. The protests, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, were met with force under Hovannisyan’s watch. Security forces used dozens of stun grenades, leading to injuries among 83 protesters and 8 journalists.

Hovannisyan never gave a public explanation for his resignation. In a short statement, he called his term “full of trials” and thanked the prime minister but left critics unsatisfied. Some media reports, including from Armlur.am, suggested a clash with Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan—though the ministry has denied those claims. Still, the silence from government officials has fueled speculation about deeper tensions in Armenia’s top ranks.

Ghazaryan’s return to police leadership is being viewed by some as a chance for reform and stability, and by others as a strategic reshuffling meant to ease public pressure without real change. His background in both police work and governance gives him the tools to balance law enforcement duties with political sensitivity. He is seen as less divisive than his predecessor and possibly more open to working with civil society.

However, much remains uncertain. With rising unrest and growing dissatisfaction over Armenia’s national direction—especially concerning relations with Azerbaijan—many Armenians are watching closely to see if Ghazaryan will lead with fairness or follow the path of aggressive enforcement set by Hovannisyan.

One key difference may be transparency. Under Hovannisyan, the police rarely explained their actions, and investigations into misconduct were slow or nonexistent. Ghazaryan will need to show early on that he values accountability and respects the rights of peaceful demonstrators.

This leadership change comes at a critical time. Armenia is navigating political uncertainty, public protest, and international scrutiny. In such times, the actions of the police can either protect democracy or weaken it.

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