Statute of Limitations Expired for Alleged Crimes of Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan

While the trials of Armenia's two former presidents are ongoing in court, it has become clear that the statute of limitations has expired for the alleged crimes attributed to both Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan. In cases like this, when a certain period has passed since the crime, the accused can be offered to halt criminal prosecution without serving a sentence; in this situation, the accused is neither acquitted nor found guilty. This was reported by Azatutyun.

Although the courts have not yet suggested closing the cases against Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharian based on the statute of limitations, their legal teams report that the former presidents would not agree to this option.

Serzh Sargsyan, who is charged with organizing the embezzlement of nearly half a billion drams from the state budget in a fuel procurement case, is demanding justification, as stated by his lawyer Amram Makinyan after today’s court hearing. “I do not consider this a fabricated accusation; there is absolutely no case of a crime here,” said Makinyan.

Sargsyan's other lawyer, Ruben Hakobyan, stated that this issue has not even been discussed with the former president and that the court has not addressed the expiration of the statute of limitations, knowing Sargsyan’s position. “We have never discussed this issue—whether there will be a statute of limitations or anything else. The question of halting criminal prosecution without justification has not been discussed because it cannot even be considered in this case. We are solely fighting for a court decision of acquittal,” Hakobyan remarked.

Similarly, no such offer has been made to Robert Kocharian, who is charged with receiving a bribe of 3 million dollars. His lawyer Haik Alumyany believes it is unlikely that the second president would agree to discontinue criminal prosecution without achieving acquittal. “I cannot say on behalf of Mr. Kocharian; it is only the agreement of the accused that matters. So far, I have the impression that it is unlikely that this option will be chosen,” noted Alumyany.

In the absence of the application of the statute of limitations, the courts will continue to examine the cases. According to Hakobyan, there are two possible outcomes: either an acquittal decision will be made, or a guilty verdict will be issued. However, even if the courts find the former presidents guilty, they still will not face imprisonment. “A judicial act is made regarding the exemption from serving a penalty,” said Ruben Hakobyan. More details on the website.