Armenia's ex-interior minister Vano Siradeghyan must be arrested and brought to the courtroom once he returns to Armenia, according to the statement by Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe (FAAE).

“In case of fair trial, he will be sentenced to life for the crimes committed,” FAAE head Ashot Grigorian said, citing pressure and pursuit of Siradeghyan as reasons behind many activists’ emigration from Armenia.

“Many activists residing abroad stand ready to testify against Siradeghyan if he comes back to Armenia to face the court,” Mr. of Siradeghyan said.

Armenia’s ex-minister of interior affairs, former parliament member and ANM leader Vano Siradeghyan was deprived of parliamentary immunity in 2010 and a criminal case was initiated against him for a range of crimes, including creation of a gang and organization of contract killings. Since that moment, Siradeghyan has disappeared from Armenia and an international arrest warrant has been issued for him via Interpol.