A cassation appeal has been filed regarding the verdict issued by the Anti-Corruption Court of Appeals on November 15, 2024, in the case of former Chairman of the Urban Development Committee Vahagn Vermishyan.
According to Iravaban.net, while the court acquitted Vermishyan on two counts, the original 8-year imprisonment sentence imposed by the court of first instance remained unchanged.
In a conversation with us, Vermishyan’s attorney Alexander Kochubayev raised a crucial issue: if the first instance court sought 8 years imprisonment for all charges, and the Court of Appeals has acquitted him on 2 charges and applied the statute of limitations on another count, why did the 8-year sentence remain in effect?
“Because at that time, the bribery offense stipulated punishment for 4-8 years, and the courts essentially followed the Prime Minister’s instruction that the punishment should be the most severe – ensuring the maximum 8 years prescribed for bribery. There is no other logic here,” he stated.
According to the attorney, in another episode when they attempted to challenge Vahagn Vermishyan’s freedom in administrative court, the first instance court rejected it, but the Court of Appeals granted it and obligated the Government to reinstate him in his position and provide financial compensation.
Vermishyan’s defense attorney notes that the operational-investigative measures, wiretapping, and internal surveillance were conducted with significant violations. He also adds that the National Security Service did not have the authority to investigate Vermishyan’s case, indicating a gross violation of investigative jurisdiction rules.
The abuse of official position charge was based on the Vermishyan-Natalia Chernikova connection, where according to case materials, the latter allegedly received payment without performing any functions. However, testimonies provided by several individuals during the investigation indicated that Chernikova did perform her position-related work and was involved in mega-projects.
A cassation appeal has been filed regarding this episode as well. In conversation with Iravaban.net, the attorney detailed the defense’s assertions and arguments contradicting the court’s decision regarding other episodes.
It should be noted that Vahagn Vermishyan has not pleaded guilty to any of the charges brought against him and has demanded acquittal.
Details in the video.
