Special Investigative Service Committed an Illegal Act: Mairapetian's Legal Team

The Special Investigative Service, by eliminating one illegal act, has committed another illegal act. This announcement was made by the legal team of Samvel Mairapetian, addressing the decision of the SIS to return Mairapetian's passport, while prohibiting him from leaving the country.

“On January 8 of this year, the SIS finally responded in writing to the request of Samvel Mairapetian's lawyer Karen Batikyan and returned Mairapetian's passport, despite the fact that shortly before the holidays, the SIS investigator orally rejected the same request. It is evident that the SIS took this step as a result of the European Court of Human Rights posing questions to the Armenian government regarding Samvel Mairapetian's case.

It is absurd, however, that while returning Mairapetian's passport, the SIS has formally objected in the same response that Samvel Mairapetian is not allowed to leave Armenia; furthermore, it is stated that any attempt by Mairapetian to leave Armenia will be considered as an act of hiding from the investigation.

In conclusion, under the pressure of the ECHR, the SIS has been forced to correct one of its illegal actions, while simultaneously committing another illegality: without any justification and in the presence of evident threats to his life and health, Mairapetian has been deprived of his right to receive urgent medical treatment.

Considering that Samvel Mairapetian's case is being dealt with by the European Court of Human Rights, we are hopeful that this issue will also receive just resolution, and Samvel Mairapetian will finally be given the opportunity to receive treatment at the same clinic in Germany that has already saved his life once.

Reminder: Businessman, director, and owner of H2 television company Samvel Mairapetian has been free on bail since December 27 by court decision, but continues to remain in the hospital under medical supervision,” the group’s statement read.