Kocharian Did Not Wish to Discuss His Health Issues

At the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction, presided over by Judge Anna Danibekyan, the hearing of the case against former President Robert Kocharian of Armenia, accused of overthrowing the constitutional order, is underway.

At the beginning of the court session, the court verified the defendants' information, including their date of birth, place of residence, health status, and whether they are currently employed.

Defendant Robert Kocharian stated that he does not have a permanent job at the moment and is a member of the Board of Directors of the 'Sistema' BFC. When asked if he has health issues, Kocharian replied, 'I would not wish to talk about health issues in court.'

In response to the question of whether he received the indictment, Kocharian stated that he had received it long ago but could not recall exactly when. 'I waited about two and a half months to see when the issue of detention would be addressed,' the former president stated.

It is worth noting that considering the health status of Seyran Ohanyan, the court allowed him to respond to questions while seated, although he rejected the offer.

Former Secretary-General of the CSTO and defendant Yuri Khachaturov answered the court's questions in Russian. He mentioned that he understands Armenian but might make mistakes in verbal communication, which is why he speaks in Russian.

It should be reminded that among the defendants in this case are former President Robert Kocharian, former Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces and former Secretary-General of the CSTO Yuri Khachaturov, former Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, and former Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan.

Yuri Khachaturov and Seyran Ohanyan are accused of overthrowing the constitutional order, Robert Kocharian is accused of overthrowing the constitutional order and receiving bribes in particularly large amounts, while Armen Gevorgyan is charged with facilitating the overthrow of the constitutional order, receiving bribes in particularly large amounts, and legalizing property acquired through criminal means.

It is also noted that only Robert Kocharian is currently in detention in this case. For Seyran Ohanyan and Armen Gevorgyan, a signature bond not to leave has been chosen as a measure of restraint, while Khachaturov’s restraint measure is bail.