Lawyer says international attention growing over Ashotyan's case

The second criminal case against Armenian opposition politician Armen Ashotyan is also drawing international attention, despite the rarity of international organizations commenting on ongoing criminal proceedings, his lawyer said following a court hearing on Friday.

Attorney Ruben Melikyan said the case has been closely watched internationally, citing a recent statement by the Centrist Democrat International (CDI).

“About a month ago, the Centrist Democrat International issued a clear statement on Armen Ashotyan’s case, expressing concern and recalling that it had previously recognized him as a political prisoner in connection with the first case,” Melikyan told reporters.

Melikyan said the latest case has likewise become the subject of international scrutiny.

“We sincerely hope his detention will not last much longer,” he said.

Armenia’s Investigative Committee announced on June 5 that it had ordered the detention of seven people, including Ashotyan, as part of an investigation into alleged abuse of office and money laundering.

Ashotyan was placed in pretrial detention on June 5 for one month. His detention was later extended by another month.