New charges brought against former Armenian PresidentFebruary 13, 2019 - 11:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Special Investigative Service of Armenia on Tuesday, February 12 brought new charges against second President Robert Kocharyan. According to Kocharyan's team of lawyers, besides article 300.1 of the Armenian Criminal Code (overthrow of the constitutional order), the ex-president is also charged under paragraph 2 of part 4 of article 311 of the Criminal Code (receiving a bribe in especially large amounts). The new accusation is connected with the statement of citizen Silva Hambardzumyan about giving the alleged bribe. Robert Kocharyan has been in custody since December 7. Kocharyan, who was the President of Armenia in 1998–2008, is accused of overthrowing the constitutional order and money laundering. The first case is related to the crackdown on peaceful protests against the results of the presidential election in March 2008. At the time, ten people were killed in clashes between protesters and the police, about 200 were injured. At the end of August, the court released Kocharyan on bail. Top stories David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Partner news | Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |