It Feels Like Some Group Wants To Vow To Have Tovmasyan Detained, Says Rustam Badasyan

It seems to me that some group definitely wants charges to be brought against Hrayr Tovmasyan or for him to be detained, said Armenia's Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan during a conversation with reporters today.

"I constantly avoid answering this question, first because it is beyond my authority, and second, I do not want to create the impression that this is something that must inevitably happen and that we should constantly discuss this issue," the minister said.

Regarding immunity, he stated that the norms apply within the framework of the respective trial. "There is functional immunity following the Constitutional amendments, and this means that this immunity is effective when any act is related to the execution of his official powers. I am answering theoretically, and I want to emphasize again that I am not answering the question based on Mr. Tovmasyan's persona. If a person has been a Minister of Justice and has committed any act through corrupt means and is now a judge of the Constitutional Court, naturally, it has nothing to do with functional immunity," he added.

The minister also mentioned that when he referred to a group wanting to definitely pursue charges against Tovmasyan or have him detained, this group is outside of the government. "They are constantly trying to create the impression of such persecution, suggesting that charges are surely going to be brought against him, that the issue of detention will arise, and they are ready to help. I think this is a certain strategy developed in the media," Rustam Badasyan stated.