Robert Kocharyan Claims to be Cleansed of Blood as Main Organizer of March 1 Events

Former President of Armenia and defendant in the March 1 case, Robert Kocharyan, has addressed the decision of the Court of Appeals today, which stated that he is to be re-arrested. The statement was read by Viktor Soghomonyan, the head of Robert Kocharyan's office, during a press conference.

"It is sufficient to mention that the prosecution presented a team of six prosecutors, led by the Prosecutor General of Armenia—something unprecedented in our recent history. The judge assigned to the case was selected through gross violations of the law and relevant procedures, and pro-government media had long published the decision without waiting for the court.

I and my colleagues have repeatedly stated that what is happening is nothing but personal vendetta, a true vendetta being carried out against me and my family. This was also proven by the infamous wiretaps. The path I have taken, the results achieved during my years in power, my reputation in Armenia, Artsakh, and abroad, as well as my political prospects, are clearly troubling the current populist leader who is incapable of governing the country. Additionally, it is clear that the main organizer of the mass unrest that led to casualties on March 1, 2008, is trying to cleanse himself of blood and blame me instead.

I am confident that sooner or later I will attain my freedom. I am sure that I will prove my innocence. I am also certain that all those responsible for this illegal and shameless persecution unleashed against the man who led Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia during the gravest days of our recent history will be punished to the fullest extent of the law in the near future.

I am fully prepared to continue the political struggle even from prison. The authorities and their sponsors should not harbor any false hopes that they can break my will. I am accustomed to severe trials, and I consider what is happening as yet another trial. It is another chapter in my life, which I must again dedicate to the fight for freedom and dignity," stated the former president of Armenia.

It is noted that today, at the Court of Appeals, presided over by Judge Rubik Mkhitaryan, a decision was made regarding the appeals filed by the defense against the first-instance court's decision to choose arrest as a measure of restraint, which confirmed that the arrest of Kocharyan remains in effect.