Special Investigation Service Calls on Kostanyan to Appear Before Investigative Body Instead of Making Public Statements

It is questionable that Gevorg Kostanyan, who previously held the position of the Attorney General of Armenia, is making an unrealistic proposal to organize a public discussion regarding a criminal case, which can be viewed as yet another excuse for failing to present himself to the investigation. This was stated in a press release by the Special Investigation Service (SIS).

The statement specifically mentions: “In response to Gevorg Kostanyan’s announcement disseminated through the media today, we find it necessary to inform that he has the procedural status of a suspect in the ‘March 1’ criminal case, and the relationships between the investigative body and the suspect are regulated exclusively by the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia. Accordingly, the request from the suspect, in this case, G. Kostanyan or his defender, must be formalized in the manner of a petition which, if submitted in accordance with procedural requirements, will be discussed by the investigative body within the term stipulated by law.”

“Thus, it is at least puzzling that G. Kostanyan, who once held the position of Attorney General, is making an unrealistic proposal to hold a public discussion about the criminal case, which we can evaluate as another excuse for not presenting himself to the investigation.”

Regarding Kostanyan’s statement that he is willing to assist in disclosing the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 10 individuals in the 'March 1' case, the SIS noted that he has had such an opportunity when he was previously questioned as a witness in the criminal case. Nonetheless, if he is genuinely sincere in his stated intentions to support the preliminary investigation, the SIS once again calls on him to appear and provide his information to the investigation body within the legal framework rather than through public speeches and statements.