Gasparyan Wants to Confront All Who Testified Against Him

Former Chief of Police of Armenia Vladimir Gasparyan has been charged by the Investigative Committee for abuse of power.

In an interview with ArmDaily.am, Gasparyan's lawyer Zorair Harutyunyan noted that this case is not new and has been under investigation for quite some time. “Mr. Gasparyan's participation started yesterday when he was summoned to the Investigative Committee. We have appeared today, the charges have been brought, and Gasparyan has refused to testify at this stage. He has expressed his position regarding the charges, stating that he does not consider himself guilty,” Harutyunyan stated.

Regarding the lack of confrontations and other procedural evidence-gathering actions, the lawyer mentioned, “Mr. Gasparyan has announced that he is willing to participate in any procedural action that the investigating authority deems necessary for ensuring a comprehensive investigation of the case.”

When asked why Gasparyan refused to testify, the lawyer replied, “No specific reason has been mentioned as it is a constitutional right of any defendant, including Gasparyan.”

In response to the observation that this is not the first criminal case following Gasparyan’s dismissal from office and that several other cases have already been terminated during the pre-investigation stage, Harutyunyan said, “This criminal case differs from others in that it is the first where charges have been brought. However, I share the view that this case cannot have any judicial prospect. I am more than confident that regarding the episodes related to Mr. Gasparyan, there is no judicial prospect, and the future of the charges brought against him will definitely result in the cessation of criminal prosecution.”

Speaking about the procedural aspects of the case, Harutyunyan indicated that the investigation will be transferred to a special investigative service since Gasparyan held the position of Chief of Police of Armenia. “In the future, we, as his defense team, will appeal the decision on the selection of the measure of restraint. There are relevant motions to be submitted to the investigating body, and after the decisions are made on those, further actions will be planned,” said the lawyer.

Harutyunyan also added that the former police chief wishes to confront all individuals who testified against him: “Mr. Gasparyan has stated that he unequivocally wants to confront all individuals who testified against him and to become familiar with all the evidence that may be used to allegedly substantiate the charges brought against him.”

It is noteworthy that the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has identified several circumstances related to the abuse of office by certain officials of the Ministry of Defense in this criminal case under the supervision of the Chief Investigation Department. Charges have been brought against Vladimir Gasparyan, and the measure of restraint has been chosen as a non-leaving signature.