Robert Kocharyan’s defense team to submit petitions, requests directing case to Constitutional Court

The examination of petition on change of preventive measure against Armenia’s second president Robert Kocharyan continues today in the Court of Appeal. Today the defense side is to submit its petitions.

Before the launch of the court session, Kocharyan’s defense team member Aram Orbelyan stated that a petition has been submitted to the Court of Appeal to review the constitutionality of Article 300 and 300.1 of the Criminal Code with which Kocharyan is being charged [attempt to overthrow the constitutional order].

“We apply to court as we find that the legal norms which are being applied in the frameworks of this case contradict the Constitution, and we ask to apply to the Constitutional Court. If the court is convinced that they do contradict, it means they should not be applied,” Orbelyan said.

Attorney Hayk Alumyan said that the Article 300 of 2008 Criminal Code was anti-constitutional.

“Agreed with the outcome of this petition another one may be submitted relating to the Constitutional Court. Besides, we want to submit some materials as well,” Alumyan said.

The issue is being examined by the Court of Appeal for already the fifth day. During this period the attorneys presented their complaints and are expected to submit petitions. Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan is to present objections after which the judge will leave for the room of consultations.