Being in Russia does not mean having political asylum: Russia’s ambassador about Mihran Poghosyan

Being in Russia does not mean getting political asylum, Russia’s ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin told the reporters today asked why Russia provides political asylum to former Armenian officials, including ex-lawmaker Mihran Poghosyan charged in corruption and other crimes.

“Has Poghosyan received political asylum? I do not have such information. As far as I know a legal process is ongoing,” the ambassador said.

Asked about former head of investigative group on March 1 criminal case Vahagn Harutyunyan who is also in Russia, Kopirkin said he cannot answer the question and urged to apply to corresponding bodies.

As to whether refusal of Russian side to extradite the people wanted by Armenia’s law enforcers is a message to the new authorities, Koprikin said, “The only message is that Russia and Armenia are strategic partners and we are brotherly nations.”