If I Had a 'Cover', I Wouldn't Have Paid a Bribe: Silva Hambardzoomyan

In the court session regarding the criminal case of "Silva Hambardzoomyan against former Minister of Environment Aram Harutyunyan," businesswoman Silva Hambardzoomyan spoke about the reasons for the delay in the trial:

"The trial is constantly being postponed due to the large number of people involved in the case. Three or four individuals have fled, one is in custody, and another is wandering around the city on bail. They still cannot find the important figure, Aram Harutyunyan. I read an interesting article today written by Mane Soghomonyan, claiming that Aram Harutyunyan is in the city. Why can't they find him?" said Silva Hambardzoomyan.

Talking about the defendants who are on the run, she mentioned that one is Suren Avagyan, and the other is the former head of the Sevan Psychiatric Hospital, who, according to Silva Hambardzoomyan, is currently in the USA and has been arrested there, while the third is of course the former Minister of Environment Aram Harutyunyan.

"Everyone insists that Aram Harutyunyan is on the territory of the Republic of Armenia. I believe he is hiding well, as it is unlikely that law enforcement would not want to find him. There is also an order from the Prime Minister regarding this matter," Hambardzoomyan stated.

Regarding the other defendant, Samvel Mayrapetyan, who is currently in Germany for treatment due to allegations of bribery, Hambardzoomyan believes that Mayrapetyan is indeed seriously ill.

"I hope that this issue will also be resolved soon. He has been taken to Germany in a very serious condition once. He will recover and return," she added.

The businesswoman also discussed the incident of allegedly bribing the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian. It should be noted that Kocharian has filed a lawsuit claiming defamation against Hambardzoomyan.

The businesswoman stated that she has not yet received a notification from the court and that she is not engaging in defamation.

"I have never engaged in defamation. I am the first female entrepreneur in Armenia, and one could say the first male entrepreneur as well. My business has been established since the 90s, and such a case has never occurred. I have never had a 'cover'. I have advanced on my own accord and abilities. If I had a 'cover', I wouldn't have paid a bribe. I would have worked. I have no 'cover', and I was obliged to do this in order to be able to operate in the republic. And finally, for those who are protesting today for the former authorities, who are these protesters? They are beggars and people paid to protest. No one is satisfied with the former authorities—business people like myself," said Silva Hambardzoomyan.