«What Can I Say Against These Fairytales»: Deputy Chief of Staff Does Not Testify

There is illegal criminal prosecution against Stepan Galstyan, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. This was stated by Galstyan's lawyer Onik Araqelyan in an interview with NEWS.am.

It should be recalled that on October 2, the court, presided over by Judge Karen Farhoyan, made a decision to arrest Stepan Galstyan. Araqelyan said he plans to appeal the court's decision. He noted that Galstyan does not accept the charges against him, stating, "Because it is baseless and incomprehensible."

Araqelyan mentioned that Galstyan did not testify, saying, "What can I say against these fairytales?" When asked on what grounds the court decided to authorize the arrest, the lawyer replied, "Perhaps it was due to the risk of obstruction. He is a person of authority, meaning there should have been a lack of authority for him not to be detained. It is unfortunate that he is an authoritative figure."

Galstyan has been arrested in connection with a criminal case investigating abuses and particularly large-scale thefts in the supply of military ammunition for the needs of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. He is charged with abuse of office leading to substantial material consequences and committing official forgery.