If the Appeal Court Fails to Make a Decision Based on Facts, We Will Appeal to International Courts - Khachatryan's Defender

The Appeal Court rejected the motion submitted by the former Minister of Finance and former head of the RA State Revenue Committee, Gagik Khachatryan's defense, to change the preventive measure of custody.

This was stated by Gagik Khachatryan's lawyer, Yerem Sargsyan, during a conversation with journalists.

"The progress that the judicial system had after the revolution, where the courts had certain freedom and independence, should be recorded as having been destroyed. The Appeal Court was the only entity that could make independent decisions. At this moment, a judge like Rubik Mkhitaryan, who has always been notable for his independent decisions, was unable to overcome the pressures existing against him today," said the lawyer.

Sargsyan added that the court's decision has not yet been given, but knowing the details of the case deeply, he imagines that the court will write something that has no relation to law.

"The court was obliged to acknowledge reasonable suspicion, then to state that there are grounds for detention, and then to say that bail is not permissible in this case. Essentially, all of this was expected. Unfortunately, I note that the judicial system has found itself in this situation," noted Sargsyan.

"We will take all legally prescribed steps, and we will also discuss disciplinary issues regarding this judge. I resort to such measures in rare instances, but if such obvious and gross violations occur, we must respond. If the Appeal Court cannot make a decision based on these facts, we will have no choice but to present the issue to international courts," he stated.