Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court has reduced the bail imposed on Armen Ashotyan, vice chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), from 25 million to 10 million drams, partially granting a motion filed by his defense.
During the hearing, Ashotyan’s lawyer, Ruben Melikyan, requested a review of the bail amount, explaining that the original 25 million drams had been raised nearly two years earlier with financial assistance from Ashotyan’s friends and relatives, Sputnik Armenia reports.
According to Melikyan, the funds now need to be returned to those who contributed them. The lawyer therefore asked the court to reduce the bail to no more than 5 million drams.
Ashotyan also addressed the need to return the money, noting that some of the funds were needed to cover tuition fees for a student studying abroad.
“We ask that the bail amount be reduced by 20 million drams so that the money can be returned to those who paid it,” Ashotyan said.
After considering the motion, Judge Vahe Dolmazyan referred to Ashotyan’s conduct during the proceedings and concluded that it provided grounds for reducing the bail amount.
The court subsequently reduced bail by 15 million drams, setting it at 10 million drams instead of the previous 25 million.
On June 5, the Investigative Committee issued decisions to arrest seven former officials, including Ashotyan. The criminal proceedings concern alleged abuse of official powers and money laundering involving property valued at approximately 200 million drams.
According to the Investigative Committee, Ashotyan allegedly abused his official position in complicity with others. Investigators believe his actions helped former Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan and his son, Artyom Khachatryan, acquire property that was not legally subject to alienation.
