Judge Davit Grigoryan reappointed after acquittal

Judge Davit Grigoryan has been reappointed to the judiciary following his acquittal in a high-profile criminal case.

According to a decree signed by President Vahagn Khachaturyan, based on the Constitution and a recommendation from the Supreme Judicial Council, Grigoryan will serve as a judge of the Kotayk Province General Jurisdiction Court of First Instance.

Grigoryan first came under investigation in 2019, shortly after he ordered the release of former President Robert Kocharyan on bail and suspended criminal proceedings against him, sending the case to the Constitutional Court. Following his decision, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for the “blockade of courts” and a criminal case was launched against the judge.

Grigoryan was charged under Article 314(1) of the former Criminal Code for alleged official forgery. However, the Anti-Corruption Court acquitted him and co-defendant Gor Vardanyan in January 2025. The Court of Appeals later upheld the acquittal and the Supreme Court subsequently rejected an appeal filed by Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan, rendering the acquittal final.