Tsarukyan spox says summoning defense lawyer as witness shows 'political motive' behind case

The spokeswoman for detained businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan has accused the Armenian authorities of pursuing a politically motivated case after defense lawyer Yerem Sargsyan was summoned for questioning as a witness, arguing the move is intended to prevent him from representing Tsarukyan.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tsarukyan's spokeswoman, Iveta Tonoyan, said summoning Sargsyan as a witness in the case against the leader of the opposition Prosperous Armenia Party was "not a legal process, but further proof that the authorities are no longer even trying to conceal the true purpose of their political vendetta."

Tonoyan said the move undermines Armenia's international reputation, arguing that using legal mechanisms to pressure business figures damages investor confidence and raises concerns about the protection of property rights.

She also said the authorities had already harmed the country's standing in the international sports community through the suspension of the activities of the Armenian National Olympic Committee, and were now dealing "another blow" to the credibility of Armenia's legal system by attempting to deprive Tsarukyan of his chosen legal counsel.

According to Tonoyan, summoning a defense lawyer as a witness in order to remove him from the proceedings violates the fundamental principles of the right to a fair trial and the right to legal defense. She described the move as "a dangerous precedent" that could affect any citizen in the future.

Tonoyan further maintained that the case against Tsarukyan has no legal basis and is driven solely by political motives.

"We are confident that the truth will prevail. Gagik Tsarukyan is innocent and will be set free," she said.