On April 30, 2024, another court session concerning the case of Gagik Khachatryan took place at the Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan. The session was held behind closed doors as the court discussed issues related to Khachatryan’s health. Gagik Khachatryan was brought to the court accompanied by an emergency brigade. Throughout the court session, his pain intensified, prompting doctors to administer injections to him regularly.
After the court session concluded, Khachatryan’s attorney, Yerem Sargsyan, informed reporters that he had once again pleaded with the court to authorize Gagik Khachatryan’s travel for urgent medical treatment abroad, specifically in facilities where he had previously undergone operations. (Editorial note: Medical authorities in Armenia declined to operate on Khachatryan due to risks and inadequate facilities.)
“For months, we’ve tirelessly advocated, presenting new evidence and medical conclusions to affirm the straightforward truth: Gagik Khachatryan needs medical care unavailable within Armenia. Despite our efforts, the prosecutor and the court demand further proof, disregarding prior conclusions. Meanwhile, the European Court of Human Rights underscores the urgency of releasing Khachatryan from detention and ensuring proper medical care due to his health condition. Yet, even after his release, Khachatryan remains deprived of adequate medical attention. This failure to comply with the ECHR decision constitutes state-sanctioned torture,” stated Yerem Sargsyan.
Sargsyan also referenced remarks made yesterday by General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan regarding this criminal case.
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“It seems the prosecutor’s office has only one focus, and that’s Gagik Khachatryan. When questioned about the prolonged detention of the elected mayor of Vanadzor, Mamikon Aslanyan, the prosecutor deflects by pointing to the lengthy proceedings in Khachatryan’s case. Such comparisons speak volumes. It’s clear we’re not witnessing a fair legal discourse when incomparable criminal cases are equated”, – Yeream Sargsyan reflected.
Gagik Khachatryan and Karen Khachatryan stand accused of alleged abuse of official position, misappropriation of property, and official forgery. Both individuals deny the charges leveled against them. Furthermore, based on the evidence presented in the case, they have never attempted to evade the investigation or impede its progress. In a display of transparency and cooperation, Gagik Khachatryan interrupted his mandatory post-operative treatment in Germany in 2019 upon receiving the investigator’s initial phone call and promptly returned to Armenia, presenting himself to the authorities overseeing the proceedings. Similarly, Karen Khachatryan voluntarily appeared in court following the announcement of the detention verdict.
Khachatryan Legal Team