NSS ex-director Artur Vanetsyan summoned to IC to give explanations, lawyer says it is political persecution

Ex-director of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan has been summoned to the Military Investigative Department of Armenia’s Investigative Committee to give explanations on allegedly leaving the combat positions in Shushi.

Vanetsyan’s lawyer Lusine Sahakyan told Aysor.am that materials have been prepared.

“Definitely, there can be no criminal case if a legal resolution is given. The developments we see over Mr Vanetsyan – numerous criminal cases, materials, part of which were filed and part of it rejected – speaks about the political persecution against Artur Vanetsyan agreed with his political activity especially now, after elections have been announced,” Lusine Sahakyan said.

She claimed that in case of legal procedure, naturally, no criminal case can be filed.

The lawyer said she cannot unveil details from Vanetsyan’s explanation.

“It is obvious though that in what Artur Vanetsyan may be suspected in reality does not exist and materials could not have been prepared,” she added.

Back in November referring to the case Artur Vanetsyan stated that he and his squad had not left any position, had been in the hardest ones with the direct instruction of the Defense Army commander.

“We were both near Shushi, and in the town, in other trenches. On 8th when it was already clear that the hostilities were halted, I asked Lieutenant-General Levon Mnatsakanyan what we should do at that moment. He said – nothing. After it we returned to Armenia with the squad,” Vanetsyan said.