A defamation lawsuit filed by Armenia’s third President Serzh Sargsyan against ruling Civil Contract faction MP Khachatur Sukiasyan has been accepted for proceedings by the Yerevan First Instance Court, according to DataLex judicial portal.

In addition to Khachatur Sukiasyan, the respondents in the case include the Republic of Armenia, represented by the National Assembly staff.

The lawsuit demands that Sukiasyan publicly renounce his “slanderous” statements made in the parliament and compensate for the damage caused to Sargsyan’s honor and dignity.

The case has been assigned to judge Sergey Sahakyan.

It’s yet unclear when the trial will start.

In a speech delivered in the National Assembly on 25 August, Khachatur Sukiasyan claimed that the former president had “gambled away millions of dollars” at Baden-Baden casinos.

Speaking to reporters on 6 September, Sargsyan’s lawyer, Amram Makinyan, said the lawsuit was rather extensive, expressing confidence the court would satisfy their request and oblige the lawmaker to refute his statements.