Armenian lawyer Ruben Hakobyan arrested

Prominent Armenian lawyer Ruben Hakobyan has been arrested, former Vanadzor Mayor Mamikon Aslanyan reported.

In a social media post announcing his arrest on Friday, Aslanyan described Hakobyan as a respected legal professional known for his principled defence in high-profile cases, including those involving him, former President Serzh Sargsyan and businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

He expressed confidence in Hakobyan’s integrity, suggesting the arrest was politically motivated. “I have known him for decades. He is one of the few honest and highly qualified lawyers in Armenia. I am convinced Ruben has committed no crime. What is happening is clearly an attempt to isolate and silence him,” Aslanyan wrote.