We Will Try to Prove That What Was Done Was in Favor of Our State: Artak Davtyan on the 'Quality of Missiles' Case

It has been a year since the missile case has been in court, but there have been virtually no developments, as witnesses have not been called. This was the situation as of January 10, according to 168.am.

The media outlet tried to clarify with the former head of the RA Armed Forces General Staff, Artak Davtyan, how he assesses the judicial process, as the former senior official is also involved in this case.

"The sessions are ongoing; recently, there have been delays mainly due to technical reasons—issues with power supply, and we had to examine certain things, technical equipment failed to function during the examination of evidence. One day was delayed for that reason. I wouldn't say that the court sessions are artificially prolonged, but there are objective and subjective reasons. Each views it differently," he said, commenting on the observation that former Defense Minister David Tonoyan sees intent behind the delays in the court proceedings.

Regarding the court case, Davtyan stated that he does not consider himself guilty. "None of us acknowledge guilt, and we will present our views until the end. All of us who are involved in this case believe that we did nothing contrary to the laws or that would not have benefited the development of our armed forces. The court is examining the case. We will try to prove that whatever has been done is within the law and in favor of our state."

It should be noted that in January 2022, the head of the RA General Staff, Artak Davtyan, was charged in the 'Quality of Missiles' case under the third part of Article 375 of the RA Criminal Code, which pertains to the abuse of power or official position by a commander or official, exceeding authority or violating the boundaries of official powers, as well as inactivity of power if such acts were committed for selfish, personal interests, or group interests, and if they have caused material severe consequences. For this article, imprisonment of 4 to 8 years is foreseen, with or without confiscation of property.

David Tonoyan, former Minister of Defense of RA, former head of Air Force Avetik Muradyan, head of the aviation technical property service of the Ministry of Defense's aviation department Artyom Hambaryan, and chief engineer of the aviation department Vladimir Babayan were also charged in the same case. On September 30, the NSS announced that David Tonoyan and arms supplier David Galstyan were arrested on suspicion of committing large-scale theft. Earlier, on September 25, the NSS reported that former head of the Air Force, Avetik Muradyan, was arrested on suspicion of abusing power and committing official forgeries, leading to severe material consequences.