Defendant in Hayrikian case: We gave false evidence against Sedrakian

A court hearing of the case of former presidential candidate Vardan Sedrakian was held today. Sedrakian’s defense lawyer Alexander Sirunain wrote on Facebook:

“A witness, taxi driver Karen Zakarian who allegedly took defendant Khachik Poghosian to Kanaker district after the shooting, testified that he does not remember him. In the words of the witness, those questioning him showed Khachik’s photo and told him to give such evidence”.

Lawyer Sirunian added on Facebook later today:

“Defendant Samvel Harutyunian made a statement in court today that Vardan Sedrakian has noting to do with the Hayrikian shooting. They gave false evidence against him, for the reasons still to be given”.

Let us remind you that charges were brought against Samvel Harutyunian that he together with his friend Khachatur Poghosian received an order in early January 2013 from Vardan Sedrakian, a candidate running in the February 18, 2013 presidential election in Armenia, to kill another presidential candidate, leader of AIM party, political figure Paruyr Hayrikian in order to stop his political activity. The two men received $1,000 from Vardan Sedrakian to purchase a gun.