Armenia’s participation in this process regarding Lapshin is problematic_ Simon Babayan

“A person cannot be extradited if his extradition is based on the rights of exercising freedom of speech. Lapshin is a blogger carrying out journalistic activity in some respect. He is subjected to punishment for his expressed views,” member of the council of the RA Chamber of Advocates dealing with Lapshin’s protection, Director of the School of Advocates Simon Babayan expressed such an idea during today’s press conference. Panorama.am reports.

He noted that this case can become a precedent when states make use of the appropriate pseudo-legal arguments to meet their political needs.

Asked whether they intent to appeal the ruling to the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) the advocate said that it is necessary to apply to the court demanding to observe the actions of Azerbaijan as Belarus is not a member of the organization. S. Babayan noted that an appeal has already been submitted to the UN within which the issue will be considered.

“I consider problematic the participation of Armenia or the Armenian advocates in this process. In all cases, this situation must be disputed by Lapshin’s relatives,” he said.

The advocate also noted that the Constitution of Russia prohibits extradition of its citizens upon the demand of other states. This means that Lapshin’s extradition should not have taken place as he is also a Russian citizen.

Head of the Foundation against Violation of Law NGO Larisa Alaverdyan, who also attended the press conference, noted that this case is not only a slap or a threat to the Armenians, but also a gross violation and negligence of the long adopted and used international norms.

“This is a challenge not only for the two Armenian states but also for the international community,” she added.