ARRESTED ARMENIAN MPS REFUSE TO TESTIFY

ArmInfo in Russian
July 22 2008
Armenia

Armenian MPs arrested within the framework of the case of the 1
March disturbances in Yerevan, refuse to give testimonies. Vahagn
Harutyunyan, a special investigator and member of Armenia’s
Special Investigation Service, said this today at a session of the
temporary parliamentary commission to look into the 1 March events
in Yerevan. He said that [arrested MPs] Myasnik Malkhasyan, Hakob
Hakobyan and Sasun Mikaelyan have used their right this effect and
refuse to give testimonies.

Meanwhile, Sasun Mikaelyan is charged not only under Article 225 of
Armenia’s Criminal Code – "mass disturbances", but also under Article
235 – "illegal possession of weapons". Harutyunyan also said that
investigative measures such as expert examinations and questioning
of witnesses are being carried out with regard to the arrested MPs;
and there are ample witnesses in the case – over a few dozens. At
the same time the investigation has not yet managed to prove whether
the arsenal of weapons found at a restaurant owned by Malkhasyan was
intended for use in the 1 March events. However, it is well known
that all the three MPs took an active part "in involving people in
disturbances and inciting opposition to put up resistance to policemen
and usurp power", the investigator said. He said that the process
of collection of factual materials and proof is not over yet, and
that is why the investigation team does not consider it appropriate
to change the restrictive measure [arrest] concerning f Malkhasyan,
Mikaelyan and Hakobyan.

While answering a question from an MP from the [coalition] Orinats
Yerkir [Law-Governed Country] party, Hovhannes Margaryan, Harutyunyan
said that the investigation team has detained a participant in the
disturbances, who shot from an automatic weapon. Harutyunyan refused to
provide more specific information "for the sake of the confidentiality
of the investigation".