07 February 2019, 19:44
Court refuses to release former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan on bail
The court decided to leave in custody Robert Kocharyan, the second President of Armenia, accused of overthrowing the constitutional order. The defence found a political motive in the court decision.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 18, the court dismissed the defence motion to release Robert Kocharyan on bail and extended his arrest by two months. On February 1, Robert Kocharyan said that in 2008, he had stopped the opposition's attempts to involve the army in a political confrontation.
Robert Kocharyan was arrested on July 27, 2018. He was accused of financial crimes and overthrow of the constitutional system in connection with the dispersal of protests in Yerevan in March 2008. Later, the court cancelled the decision on arrest with reference to the president's immunity, but the appeal court instance sanctioned the Robert Kocharyan's arrest again.
"Public prosecutors believe Robert Kocharyan may impede the investigation or escape from justice," said Prosecutor Vaagn Muradyan.
The defence will send a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), announces Hayk Alumyan, an advocate of Robert Kocharyan.
According to the advocate, the court showed particular interest in the issue on involvement of the army in the events of March 2008. "In fact, until March 1, 2008, the army was not involved in the conflict and did not manifest itself," the advocate said.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 7, 2019 at 03:27 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Armine Martirosyan, Tigran Petrosyan Source: CK correspondent
