Armenia ex-official Gagik Khachatryan to remain in custody

The Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan on Thursday denied the defense lawyers' motion to release Gagik Khachatryan—former Minister of Finance and ex-Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia—from custody, News.am reports. 

The defense had motioned the court to release Khachatryan, or at least apply bail. His attorneys argued that there was no reason to keep their client in custody and that there was no risk of his hiding from or obstructing the case. They also pointed out Khachatryan's health problems, arguing that their client's health issues were incompatible with detention.

Gagik Khachatryan was not in attendance to Wednesday's court session. He has health problems and had submitted a petition to the court to continue the hearing without his presence.

Gagik Khachatryan has been charged under the Criminal Code articles on abuse of power, embezzlement or squandering, taking bribe, and official fraud.

And his nephew Karen Khachatryan, former head of the SRC Internal Security Department, has been charged under the Criminal Code articles on embezzlement or squandering, and official fraud.

Both do not accept the charges that have been brought against them.

And they are under arrest.