Russia's Decision Could Send a Bad Message: 'Zhoghovurd'

'Zhoghovurd' newspaper reports: 'While news outlets cite sources indicating that Russian authorities have granted political asylum to Mihran Poghosyan, the former head of the State Security Service who is wanted in connection with a criminal case in Armenia, the relevant agencies in Armenia remain silent as usual.

Yesterday, there was still no clear response from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia regarding whether the request had been approved. The same uncertainty was present at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Throughout the day, 'Zhoghovurd' attempted to obtain a response from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but again, without success; they, too, did not have any information.

And this is in a situation where the discussion involves a former official, a citizen of Armenia, holding the rank of general. It’s perhaps unnecessary to explain the politically dangerous consequences that could arise from granting political asylum to M. Poghosyan in Russia.

It turns out that Russia, which is Armenia's strategic ally and part of an economic and military-political union, by taking such a step, would accept that there is no democracy in our country, but rather political persecution. This is already a bad message to the world and a blow to Armenia's image.

However, it is clear to everyone that the criminal case in question is purely a legal matter, dictated solely by the Armenian authorities' commitment to combating corruption, and that everyone is equal before the law, regardless of their political views. Additionally, 'Zhoghovurd' has also sent a written inquiry to the press service of the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, and we will publish their response as soon as we receive it.