Epress.am News from Armenia
The Court of First Instance of Qanaqer-Zeytun Communities of Yerevan, presided over by Judge Robert Buniatyan, today approved the investigator's request to postpone Karabakh War veteran, Reserve Colonel Volodya Avetisyan's pre-trial detention by two months, Avetisyan's attorney, Ara Zakaryan, informed Epress.am. This is the third time the accused's time in detention is extended.
Recall, Avetisyan is one of the leaders of the struggle to improve the socioeconomic situation of Karabakh War veterans that began in May. He organized sit-ins at Liberty Square and organized war veterans' visits to the regions. According to him, his struggle is political and the accusations against him are fabricated. Note, he is being accused of corruption and fraud.
According to Zakaryan, the investigator brought forth no justifications as to how Avetisyan can interfere with the investigation if he is released.
In addition, the attorney said in court that the investigator is not diligent in investigating the case, and consequently, it is being unnecessarily prolonged, while Avetisyan continues to remain in detention.
The court session concluded at 7:30 pm. The court deliberated for more than 3 hours, and the decision was made public at 10:30 pm.
Nevertheless, the court, sustaining the investigator's motion, noted in its decision that it accepts that the investigator has not worked diligently. Taking this into consideration, the defense is perplexed as to why the court sustained the motion then.
Zakaryan is preparing to appeal the ruling.
Note, after Avetisyan's arrest, the RA Ministry of Defense investigative body issued the following statement: "Avetisyan, engaging in deceit and abuse of trust, usurped $2,000 USD from citizen H. Zakaryan under the pretense of assisting H. Zakaryan's grandson in the matter of obtaining an exemption from mandatory military service."