What Happened: The Collective Security Treaty Organization's Security Council dismissed Yuri Khachaturov, a former Armenian defense minister, from his role as leader of the Eurasian military bloc, RFE/RL reported Nov. 2.
Why It Matters: Khachaturov has been formally charged by the Armenian government for his role in crackdowns against protests that followed presidential elections in 2008. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has spearheaded the prosecution of former Armenian officials. The campaign has led to tensions with Russia, with Moscow urging Yerevan not to pursue politically motivated trials.
Background: The CSTO is the primary military bloc of the post-Soviet countries and includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
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