Protests Again in Front of Court Hearing Kocharian's Case

Today, June 18, a protest is taking place in front of the Court of Appeals of Armenia where supporters of the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, are demonstrating alongside citizens opposing him, reports News.am.

A group of police and court officials are maintaining order in the court yard, and barricades have been set up as well.

Kocharian's supporters have brought signs reading "My hero must be free," while those protesting against Kocharian carry signs saying "Kocharian, criminal." The atmosphere in the court yard is tense; Kocharian's supporters chant "Freedom," while opponents respond with chants of "Criminal."

It should be noted that the Court of Appeals is currently hearing appeals in the case against Robert Kocharian and others. The Prosecutor General's Office has appealed the May 18 decision of the Yerevan City Court which modified the preventive measure of detention against Robert Kocharian and the May 20 decision of the same court to suspend the criminal case and submit it to the Constitutional Court.

Robert Kocharian is charged under part 1 of Article 300.1 and part 2 of Article 311 of the Armenian Criminal Code for attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and receiving large-scale bribes. Kocharian's defense argues that he is being subjected to political persecution.