05 August 2018, 11:16
Robert Kocharyan refuses to testify
Robert Kocharyan, the second Armenian President, accused of overthrowing the constitutional order, has refused to participate in investigatory actions and testify, investigators have stated.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 26, Robert Kocharyan was charged with the overthrowing the constitutional order in connection with the dispersal of protest actions in Yerevan on March 1-2, 2008. On July 27, 2018, Kocharyan was arrested by the decision of the court.
On March 1-2, 2008, the mass riots in Yerevan started after the dispersal of an oppositional rally, which did not agree with the outcomes of the presidential election, which was won by Serzh Sargsyan. Ten people were killed in skirmishes with policemen, and more than 250 others were injured.
Robert Kocharyan has refused to evidence within the case on dispersal of protest actions on March 1, 2008, and participate in investigative actions, the RBC (RosBusinessConsulting) reported on August 4 with reference to Sasun Khachatryan, the head of the Special Investigating Service (SIS) of Armenia.
Robert Kocharyan has linked the charges brought against him with political persecution. His advocates believe that the criminal prosecution and arrest of the second president of Armenia are unjustified and contrary to the law.
"Mr Kocharyan ... left the room where investigatory actions were conducted," the RIA "Novosti" quotes Khachatryan as saying.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 4, 2018 at 10:42 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
