Investigator Probably Took 27,000 Out of Shock, Opened the 'Safe' and Saw It Was Not 4 Billion: Kocharian

The Court of Appeals is currently hearing the prosecutor's appeal against the decision of the first-instance court judge Anna Danibekyan regarding the seizure of the property of the jailed second President Robert Kocharian.

Robert Kocharian stated that documents had been confiscated from his office that attested to the legality of both his property and assets, but he completely does not understand why they were taken. “I have mentioned the return of these documents many times, which has gone unanswered. In my impression, this is a practice that exists in Armenia, I assume, because law violations are so common and the responses are routine. It is surprising, for example, regarding pension questions, I say, I need to cover utility expenses, I need to cover legal expenses, why are you doing this, that I, having the ability to rely on my friends and relatives for support, do not consider it an honor, the response is the same. I assume it’s a practice when someone is deprived of everything, their opportunities, even their right to defend themselves, for one purpose, probably to humiliate,” said Kocharian.

Addressing the prosecutor, Robert Kocharian stated, “Your question was interesting, why was the 27,000 taken? I think out of shock; maybe the investigator opened the ‘safe’ and saw it was not 4 billion but 27,000.”

The judge urged him not to speak in a sarcastic tone, noting that people are doing their jobs, and urged him not to stray from the legal sphere, acknowledging the defendant’s mindset.

Robert Kocharian added that he has more to say, but the court urges him not to say what he thinks. “I believe the court is the place where a person should express their opinion and use the vocabulary they consider appropriate, which is within the normative lexicon. And I do not believe I have said anything that is outside of that realm. Therefore, I would ask that my right to express myself be respected!” said Kocharian. “For a year, my rights have been violated in a flagrant manner, and I have the right to voice this.”

Presiding Judge Nikoghosyan stated that the court has no preconceived notions about anyone and cannot have them, especially under the conditions of his presidency, adding that within the realm of law, one can express anything. A decision regarding the appeal will be announced at 16:30.