Criminal case launched against Artsvik Minasyan

PanARMENIAN.Net - A public criminal prosecution has been initiated against Artsvik Minasyan, secretary of the Hayastan parliamentary faction, on charges of abusing official authority. According to Armenpress, the information was confirmed by Kima Avdalyan, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee.

"A decision was made by the prosecutor to initiate a public criminal prosecution against A. M. under Article 441, Part 2, Clause 5 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (abuse of power or exceeding official authority by an official). Charges have been brought against Artsvik Minasyan, who has refused to testify," Avdalyan stated.

She added that a restriction on leaving Armenia has been imposed on Minasyan as a preventive measure.

On July 7, Armenia’s National Assembly voted in favor of initiating criminal proceedings against Artsvik Minasyan. According to the preliminary investigation, while serving as Minister of Environment from 2016 to 2018, Minasyan allegedly obstructed the legal process of reclaiming illegally occupied land and instead facilitated its legalization.

The investigation revealed that Minasyan “was aware a private residence had been unlawfully built for Seyran Ohanyan on the disputed land, yet he organized an official tender for development rights, which was ultimately won by a representative of Ohanyan’s interests.” Minasyan now faces additional charges under Article 308, Part 2 of the Criminal Code for abuse of official powers with serious consequences.