Investigative Officer Has Taken the Passport of Norair Davidyan

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports: "From 2003 to 2007, Armenia's former Minister of Health Norair Davidyan has had nothing to say about the ongoing processes related to the scientific center of radiology and burns that he led for many years. Remember, this is the only center in the republic that organizes specialized treatment for burn victims. Currently, the center has largely transformed into a coronavirus treatment hospital (only the burn unit has been retained). 'I am not there now, I have been removed from my position, and I have absolutely no comment,' Mr. Davidyan said.

The former Minister of Health, as a former healthcare organizer, also declined to present his opinion regarding the government's actions in combating the coronavirus. 'I don’t want to say anything, it’s not based on my words. Right now, the most important thing is that we manage to get out of this situation.' Davidyan only mentioned that the overall situation is complex and that it was a mistake to place the control of the coronavirus on the primary level of healthcare—polyclinics. He advised to call him in a few months when he would discuss everything in detail. He did not want to answer any other questions.

However, this silence might be related to the criminal case that was opened against the former minister months ago, which hangs over him, neither being completed nor dismissed. It should be noted that the Doctor of Medical Sciences, a full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Norair Davidyan is accused of "misappropriation of millions of dramatic amounts" in the case related to the center he led. According to the accusation, Davidyan caused significant harm to the state—specifically, a particularly large sum of 154 million 775 thousand 80 Armenian drams. A travel restriction measure of signature not to leave has been imposed on Davidyan. We have learned that the investigator has taken his passport. Norair Davidyan confirmed that his passport is with the investigator and stated that he uses a copy of the passport for various issues."

For more details, refer to today’s issue of the newspaper.