«Hraparak». “He Will Lie on the Narrows”: The Case of the Former MP Accused of Murder Reopened

According to the newspaper “Hraparak”, in April 1994, businessman Mher Poghosyan, 36, was murdered in the village of Taronik, Armavir. Former MP Hrant Grigoryan was accused of the murder. The crime was subsequently reclassified, and Grigoryan was convicted of violating gun handling regulations. He was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in prison but did not serve the full term, being released after 3 months.

After the Velvet Revolution, the victim’s son, Eduard Poghosyan, demanded the case be reopened. On March 5, 2020, the Court of Appeals annulled the verdict from the murder case that occurred 26 years ago, accepting the military prosecutor’s appeal. The military prosecutor had requested the annulment of the verdict due to newly emerged circumstances and asked for the case to be sent back to the first instance court for a new trial. The new evidence came from a document submitted by Eduard Poghosyan, which revealed the bankruptcy of the legal system during those years.

Hrant Grigoryan filed a cassation appeal against the appellate court's decision. Eduard claims that Grigoryan has found a way to “negotiate” and “suppress” the case. Furthermore, he has celebrated his supposed victory with close associates. “According to my information, the cassation court has agreed to make a decision that will grant Hrant Grigoryan complete freedom,” says the victim’s legal successor.

However, before that, Grigoryan attempted to “negotiate” with Eduard, the victim’s son. Grigoryan's efforts to silence him and close the case for good, however, were in vain; neither intimidation nor bribery could deter Eduard from his resolve to go the distance. “Through an intermediary, he hinted at $250,000,” Eduard said, noting that Hrant sold one of his restaurant complexes for $1.3 million.

“I do not blame the new authorities; they are just moving slowly. I am astonished by the judges who continue to release murderers from liability for money. In fact, even after 2 years, in the new Armenia, Hrant Grigoryan can still solve issues with money. But I will not stop; I will pursue Hrant Grigoryan until I see him lying on the narrows,” Eduard added.

For more detailed information, refer to the newspaper's current issue.