The first hearing in the case of former Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan and “Synergy” company founder Ashot Hovhannisyan is underway at the Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Judge Meri Mosinyan.

According to Iravaban.net, at the beginning of the session, the defense requested to lift the “prohibition to leave” restraining order applied to Kerobyan and allow him to travel abroad. The necessity arose after the former minister’s son was admitted to the University of Minnesota in the USA.

“Vahan Kerobyan wishes to travel with his son, as it’s the latter’s first time going there. He wants to go, make sure everything is normal, help him settle in, take care of all necessary matters, and return to Armenia. That’s the primary issue,” noted the defense, adding that they are petitioning to apply a stricter restraining measure in the form of bail.

Vahan Kerobyan needs to be in the USA on August 19.

The public prosecutor noted that the hearing is proceeding in violation of Criminal Procedure protocols, as Ashot Hovhannisyan is not in court.

“By continuing today’s court session, Your Honor, you are predetermining future motions. Moreover, Vahan Kerobyan hasn’t even received the indictment. I can cite numerous examples where sessions are postponed when the defendant hasn’t received the indictment,” stated the prosecutor, adding that he objects to changing the restraining order, as Vahan Kerobyan might leave and never return to Armenia.

Furthermore, the prosecutor believes that Kerobyan’s son is old enough to establish himself and navigate abroad independently. The defense countered: “The son has been admitted, it’s a significant event for the family, he wants to accompany his son. It’s probably his first time traveling far away, it’s not just a camp.”

Vahan Kerobyan also stated in court that it’s a very important event for his son, and he wants to be by his side. Additionally, due to work requirements, he will often need to travel abroad or present petitions to allow travel.

The public prosecutor again addressed the court’s decision to continue the session under such conditions: “You don’t want to reconsider your decision, but I collegially urge you again to reconsider.”

Judge Meri Mosinyan, responding to the prosecutor’s “collegial urging,” noted that the public prosecutor has no function or authority to urge the judge: “I urge the participants in the proceedings to exercise your rights and duties to the extent permitted by Criminal Procedure.”

The judge then announced that the “prohibition to leave” restraining order remains unchanged, as Kerobyan hasn’t presented compelling reasons for leaving Armenia. The session was convened to discuss this issue and was declared closed.