On September 20, the trial of Armenia’s National Hero and former Minister of Emergency Situations Andranik Piloyan, along with 12 other defendants, continued in the Anti-Corruption Criminal Court. Judge Tigran Davtyan presided over the proceedings.
In addition to Andranik Piloyan, charges were brought against Ashot Hakobyan, Vigen Mkrtchyan, Hrachya Yeremyan, Mihrdad Matevosyan, Arthur Ohanyan, Ara Yaghjyan, Gor Hambardzumyan, Artak Beybutyan, Tatul Gevorgyan, Tigran Gasparyan, Gagik Poghosyan, and Vigen Grigoryan.
According to Iravaban.net, on December 9, the court announced the verdict, finding defendants Vigen Grigoryan, Artak Beybutyan, Vigen Mkrtchyan, Arthur Ohanyan, and Hrachya Yeremyan guilty of the charges brought against them.
Ara Yaghjyan was acquitted, with the court declaring his innocence. Ashot Hakobyan’s charge was reclassified, and he was found guilty of committing fraud by a group of persons with prior agreement, using official powers or influence derived from them, and on a large scale.
The charges against Andranik Piloyan were also reclassified. He was initially charged with accepting a bribe. He was found guilty of abuse of official authority, accepting a large-scale bribe, and fraud. The bail amounts for Ashot Hakobyan and Andranik Piloyan remained unchanged.
During today’s additional hearing, mitigating and aggravating circumstances for sentencing were discussed. The defense advocates presented their clients’ ranks, character references, participation in wars, and facts about their minor children and status as sole breadwinners.
Defendant Andranik Piloyan’s advocate Andranik Manukyan, stated that they disagree with the published verdict and will appeal it, making it pointless to present mitigating circumstances.
“The defense will contest the verdict to the extent that, in the defense’s conviction, Mr. Piloyan did not commit the act attributed to him. Therefore, at this point, discussing circumstances that mitigate or aggravate the punishment would contradict the position I just cited. I am not expressing a position,” Manukyan said.
Public Prosecutor Koryun Serobyan demanded a final sentence of 8 years imprisonment for Andranik Piloyan, with 6 months and 6 days of pre-trial detention to be credited.
“I also motion for the additional punishment of stripping him of his special and military ranks,” he added.
The defense advocate for defendant Vigen Mkrtchyan noted as a mitigating circumstance, among others, that his client had assisted in solving the crime and obtaining evidence for the case, sincerely regretted his actions, gave a confessional testimony, and fully admitted his guilt in the incriminated acts. “Vigen Mkrtchyan has a higher military education and has served in the Armed Forces for many years. He has participated in several combat operations. During his service, he has been commended multiple times.”
Koryun Serobyan motioned for a final sentence of 5 years and 6 months imprisonment for Mkrtchyan, crediting 5 months and 28 days of pre-trial detention. However, the public prosecutor noted that the sentence could be suspended, setting a probation period of 5 years. “I also motion to apply an additional punishment – stripping him of his military rank.”
The defense advocate for defendant Arthur Ohanyan, Benik Galstyan, said that his client has three minor children. He also presented commendations from the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The defendant was also awarded the Medal for Combat Service by the President. “Arthur Ohanyan served in the Armed Forces from 2006 to 2021, holding various responsible positions. His last position was the commander of the corresponding battalion of the military unit, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Arthur Ohanyan participated in the 2020 combat operations.”
The prosecutor demanded a final sentence of 3 years imprisonment for Arthur Ohanyan, crediting 4 months and 27 days of pre-trial detention. “Suspend the sentence, setting a probation period of 2 years and 5 months.”
The defense advocate for defendant Artak Beybutyan said that his client has two minor children, his wife doesn’t work, and Beybutyan is the sole breadwinner. “He participated in extinguishing the fire that broke out at the ‘Surmalu’ shopping center. He has no prior convictions and has served in the army.”
The public prosecutor demanded a final sentence of 4 years and 6 months imprisonment for Artak Beybutyan.
The defense advocate for defendant Arshak Hakobyan reported that his client participated in the First Artsakh War and the 44-day war in 2020. “He is a reserve lieutenant colonel, awarded the Medal for Courage. He has received more than two dozen medals and letters of appreciation. During his 4 months of detention, he developed health issues and was transferred to ‘Izmirlyan’ Medical Center. Several health problems have been recorded for him.”
The defense advocate for defendant Hrachya Yeremyan said that they also intend to appeal the published verdict. Koryun Serobyan demanded a final sentence of 4 years and 6 months imprisonment for him, crediting 4 months and 29 days of pre-trial detention.
Additionally, the prosecutor demanded a final sentence of 4 years imprisonment for Ashot Hakobyan, crediting 3 months and 28 days of pre-trial detention.
The public prosecutor demanded a final sentence of 9 years imprisonment for Vigen Grigoryan, crediting 2 years and 15 days of pre-trial detention.
The defense advocates noted that the prosecutor was demanding rather severe punishments.
Andranik Piloyan’s defense advocate, Andranik Manukyan, stated that the combination of charges against his client could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment.
“I’m saying this in a slightly different context, and I hope the court will understand correctly. It wasn’t clear why he motioned for 8 years; he could have directly motioned for 14 years. My procedural position is as follows: Mr. Piloyan did not commit the acts attributed to him. Mr. Piloyan will sooner or later be recognized as innocent. Which character data suggests that Mr. Piloyan should be stripped of his honorable ranks? I believe no justification was presented in this regard,” he said.
The court will announce its decision on sentencing on December 9 at 17:00.
Hasmik Sargsyan
