Lawyer: Hrachia Harutyunyan remains in penal institution

Hrachia Harutyunyan, the Armenian driver accused of causing a crash in Moscow, has not been released, but his defense lawyer’s petition was granted, Aysor.am was informed by Harutyunyan’s lawyer, Ruben Margaryan.

Margaryan said that the previous decision to keep Harutyunyan in custody was recognized illegal by the court, but the trial is underway so he will remain in a penal institution.

Russian mass media reported today that the Moscow City Court’s Presidium revoked today the decision on extension of arrest of Hrachia Harutyunyan – the Armenian truck driver who crashed into a bus near Moscow last year. 18 people died in the accident.

The Presidium found violations in the decision of Tverskoy Court’s Judge Yelena Stashina of December 13, 2013 and sent the case for reconsideration.

The Harutyunyan case is now in the stage of consideration on the merits. Harutyunyan’s arrest has been repeatedly extended since the decision of December 13, 2013.

The crash occurred on July 13 of last year in Moscow’s Troitsk administrative district. Hrachia Harutyunyan’s truck loaded with crushed stone ploughed into a bus. 18 people died, over 60 others were injured in the crash.

The accident drew a wide response. Moscow traffic police and prosecutor’s office conducted checkups at numerous transportation companies. As a result, 9 thousand vehicles were banned from operation.

The hearings of Hrachia Harutyunyan’s case are held in Troitski Court of Moscow. He is charged with violation of traffic rules and using fake documents. The defendant denies the latter charge.