Kocharyan's lawyer rejects criminal case as fabricated

The lawyer representing former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has rejected the criminal proceedings against him as unfounded and politically motivated.

Speaking outside the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), Aram Orbelyan described the case as “artificial” and “fabricated,” insisting that the evidence presented “does not amount to a crime under any reasonable interpretation.” The chief prosecutor has petitioned the CEC to authorize criminal prosecution and detention of Kocharyan, who led the opposition Hayastan alliance in the June 7 parliamentary elections.

The allegations stem from a 2004 government-approved transaction, which Orbelyan emphasized bore no connection to Kocharyan or his family. He noted that Kocharyan’s son Sedrak acquired shares in the company only years later, after his father had left office. The property in question, known as the “Master Class” site opposite Orange, was part of a lease and investment program rather than a sale.

“This process involves no criminality, no illicit trade — it is a straightforward lease and investment project,” Orbelyan said.