‘Zhoghovourd’: The Case of Serzh Sargsyan Will Be Presided Over by His Appointed Judge

‘Zhoghovourd’ newspaper reports that Judge Vahe Misakyan, who is presiding over the case of third president Serzh Sargsyan, accused of organizing the embezzlement of nearly half a billion drams from the state budget, may soon recuse himself. Interestingly, Vahe Misakyan began his judicial career on November 30, 2017, and the decree appointing him as a judge of the General Jurisdiction Court of Shirak province was signed by none other than Serzh Sargsyan.

It is not ruled out that this connection may factor into Judge Misakyan’s potential recusal. In an interview with ‘Zhoghovourd’, Vahe Misakyan stated, “In general, I have not been frightened, nor am I afraid, nor do I fear anything... I have no reason to be constrained, nor is there any circumstance that applies.”

However, it is notable that following the Velvet Revolution, a situation has emerged where investigators or judges tend to avoid cases involving former officials. A similar practice arose in the case of Robert Kocharian, the second president of Armenia, who was charged in the March 1 case, where judges presiding over his case repeatedly recused themselves.

We also recall that supporters of Serzh Sargsyan are planning to hold a protest in front of the court on February 25.

For more details, look for today’s edition of the newspaper.