Charge Against Kostanyan Linked to Description of Alik Sargsyan's Charge, NHRA Chief Says

During today's session at the National Assembly, journalists asked NHRA Chief Sasun Khachatryan whether there are plans to declare a search for former prosecutor Gevorg Kostanyan. Khachatryan replied, 'We will act according to the law.'

In response to a query about Kostanyan's statement that he would come when his lessons are over, the NHRA chief noted, 'An individual is implicated as a defendant when the investigative body considers the combination of evidence sufficient to involve them as such.'

Khachatryan announced that no charges have yet been brought against Gevorg Kostanyan. When asked about Kostanyan's comment that there is artificiality in this case, Khachatryan responded, 'What artificiality? I cannot comment on what Mr. Kostanyan has said. You are asking me if it is realistic to arrive in Yerevan from Moscow within 48 hours; I pose the question back to you— is it realistic?'

It should be noted that according to Article 203, Part 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, Gevorg Kostanyan has been requested to appear before the investigating body within 48 hours for the purposes of bringing charges against him.

When asked if the charge to be brought against Kostanyan is related to the description of former police chief Alik Sargsyan's charge, the NHRA chief replied, 'Yes.'

When questioned whether there will also be charges for failing to disclose the events of March 1 during his years as Attorney General, Sasun Khachatryan replied, 'Let’s wait 48 hours.'