Former Yerevan State University Rector Aram Simonian Did Not Commit Any Misconduct, Defense Statement

The defense attorneys of Aram Simonian, former rector of Yerevan State University (YSU), Yervand Varosyan and Lusine Sahakyan, have issued a statement regarding the charges brought against Simonian.

“Today, the Armenian Investigative Committee announced that charges have been brought against the former rector of YSU, Aram Simonian, under Article 179, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, for alleged misappropriation of 34 million drams. The public likely remembers the statements issued about two years ago regarding alleged embezzlements of about 800 million drams discovered by the State Revenue Committee at YSU. In connection with this, after two years of investigation, the Investigative Committee decided to charge Aram Simonian for purportedly transferring unsubstantiated additional payments to the security firm responsible for YSU's safety, amounting to 34 million drams over four years.

Naturally, Aram Simonian has not committed any misconduct. These funds were actually transferred not for 'services not rendered,' but were related to both the provision of additional services by the security company and the increase of the minimum wage in the Republic of Armenia. We believe that this process is yet another effort to show some result in the eyes of society, which is unacceptable, especially when it tarnishes the names of individuals who have an undeniable contribution to the development of education and science in Armenia. Of course, Aram Simonian does not acknowledge his guilt regarding the charges brought against him.

Due to the confidentiality of the pre-investigation, unfortunately, we cannot disclose additional details of the case at this time; however, we are more than confident that these charges will not stand and will be disproved by the ongoing investigation,” the statement reads.