Kotayk Court Releases Arrested Brother of 'Bottle Melo'

The Kotayk regional court has released Robert Manukyan, the brother of former MP Melik Manukyan, known as 'Bottle Melo', who was arrested on August 3 for his involvement in removing a vehicle from the scene of an assassination attempt against his brother. Robert Manukyan was released from detention last evening, as confirmed by his lawyer, Joseph Sargsyan.

The court, presided over by Judge Gegham Margaryan, declared the arrest unlawful after several hours of reviewing the appeal submitted by Manukyan's defense. Following the court's decision, he was immediately freed from the courtroom.

It is noteworthy that Robert Manukyan was arrested under the article 38-332, part 2 of the Criminal Code for allegedly obstructing a thorough and objective investigation by inciting interference with the investigative activities.

Additionally, Melik Manukyan's bodyguard, Markos Markosyan, has also been arrested in connection with the case, which involves the vehicle removal from the crime scene. According to investigation data, it was he who removed the vehicle at the request of Robert Manukyan.

The explosion occurred on August 2 on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, near Melik Manukyan's glassware factory. A criminal case has been initiated on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of explosives, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.