Human Rights Defender to Demand Clarifications from Prosecutorial Bodies Regarding Gevorg Kostanyan's Case

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has conducted a thorough examination of all data related to the criminal case being investigated by the Special Investigative Service concerning the events that took place in Yerevan from March 1 to 2, 2008. This includes materials at the Defender's disposal, as well as both verbal and written public and official clarifications from the prosecutorial bodies regarding this case.

In this statement, the Defender finds it necessary to publicly address the issue of the rights protection of former Prosecutor General, former representative of Armenia at the ECtHR, and former chairman of the RA National Assembly's Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Gevorg Kostanyan.

In particular, the Special Investigative Service has publicly announced that Gevorg Kostanyan has been involved as a defendant and that he must appear before the prosecuting body within 48 hours to face the charges against him. Subsequently, the investigative body announced that a warrant has been issued for G. Kostanyan, and a request has been submitted to the court to select arrest as a measure of restraint against him.

The Human Rights Defender has also examined the Special Investigative Service's public clarifications dated September 25, 2019, regarding Gevorg Kostanyan's involvement in the March 1 criminal case.

Furthermore, the Human Rights Defender has thoroughly analyzed Gevorg Kostanyan's comments and claims made to the media concerning the criminal prosecution being carried out against him. Specifically, this refers to G. Kostanyan's public assertions that the charges against him are unfounded, that the actions of the investigative body are unlawful, that they violate his rights, and that they do not actually aim to identify the real perpetrators responsible for the unlawful deprivation of life of the 10 victims.

According to Gevorg Kostanyan, the prosecutorial body has not taken any measures in this direction.

Considering the above, the Defender will independently request clarifications from the prosecutorial bodies.

The Human Rights Defender finds it necessary to specifically note that questions concerning the events of March 1, 2008, and the related criminal case have constantly been and will continue to be under his immediate attention. Issues related to the effectiveness and transparency of the ongoing investigation have been addressed in the Defender's reports and statements.

This case and related issues are of great public significance and are perceived sensitively by society for understandable reasons. They also hold fundamental importance for the establishment of the system of rule of law and the protection of human rights in our country.

All these factors place an even greater responsibility on law enforcement agencies and the court to uphold a high legal standard in the investigation of the criminal case. The legal criteria applying to this investigation are particularly elevated to exclude any misinterpretation and to guarantee confidence in the process and outcomes of the investigation.

The Human Rights Defender will continue to operate based on these standards in overseeing the investigation of the March 1 criminal case, within the limits of his jurisdiction.