On 2 February, the court session in the case of Professor Armen Charchyan, deputy of the “Armenia” faction of the National Assembly, director of the “Izmirlyan” medical center, was held at the Avan seat of the Yerevan Court of general Jurisdiction. The session was chaired by Judge Vahe Misakyan.

Charchyan is accused of forcing to participate in the 20 June, 2021 elections. A few days before the voting (18 June), a part of the recording of Charchyan’s meeting with the hospital employees was distributed, which the law enforcement officials describe as obstructing the exercise of the voter’s free will. The article incriminated to Charchyan also refers to forcing to vote against someone.

According to Iravaban.net, Charchyan was supposed to hold his last words during today’s court session, but he noted that he had already said it earlier, during his speech. “I have nothing to add.”

The defendant thanked his lawyer, the court, and those who supported him. “Also, I want to express my gratitude to the Prosecutor, even though he demanded 5 years of imprisonment. I have an inner conviction that it is not his personal conviction. Anyway, I thank the Prosecutor for doing his job.”

Addressing the court, he stated that he is sure that the court will make a “fair and free” decision, and justice in the RA is at its peak. “Any of your decisions will be acceptable to me.”

Judge Vahe Misakyan announced that the court is leaving for the deliberation room. The verdict will be announced on 5 February.

Yеvgenya Hambardzumyan