A prosecutor has asked a Yerevan court to extend the pretrial detention of Prosperous Armenia party leader Gagik Tsarukyan by another three months. His defense lawyer challenged the grounds for the request.
At the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan’s Avan and Nor Nork districts, prosecutor Markosyan argued that alternative preventive measures would be insufficient, Sputnik Armenia reports.
“Alternative preventive measures cannot ensure compliance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code in relation to the accused. The public interest takes precedence over his liberty,” the prosecutor said.
Tsarukyan’s lawyer, Yerem Sargsyan, attempted to present testimony from the criminal case during the hearing, but the court did not permit it.
Sargsyan objected, arguing that the decision restricted the defense’s ability to challenge the necessity of continued detention. He maintained that the testimony would demonstrate a lack of sufficient grounds for keeping his client in custody.
The lawyer also said prosecutors had presented essentially identical arguments concerning different defendants, suggesting that detention decisions were not being considered individually. He described that part of the proceedings as a formality.
Sargsyan particularly disputed the prosecution’s claim that Tsarukyan could interfere with the case or influence witnesses if released.
“They must explain how Tsarukyan could obstruct the case so that we can present counterarguments, but the public prosecutors have provided nothing. I want to make it clear from the outset that, when it comes to any documentary procedures, the possibility of interfering with the examination of evidence or obstructing such procedures is zero. The public prosecutor makes an abstract claim that he could influence witnesses. Which witness? They say Tsarukyan has public standing. What is the man supposed to do, ruin his reputation?” Sargsyan said.
On July 6, law enforcement officers searched Tsarukyan’s mansion and premises belonging to companies within his Multi Group concern.
Tsarukyan was detained the same day, and a court ordered his pretrial detention on July 7. Restrictions were subsequently imposed on property belonging to him and associated assets.
The court’s decision on the latest request for an extension was not reported.
