Khachatur Sukiasyan Must Prove That Serge Sargsyan Lost $100 Million at the Casino: Court Decision

In the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction, presided over by Judge Sergey Sahakyan, a court hearing took place today regarding the case of Armenia's third president Serge Sargsyan against the ruling party businessman-deputy Khachatur Sukiasyan, writes "Pastinfo."

According to the source, the hearing addressed the issue of distributing the burden of proof. Both parties presented their positions regarding the distribution of the burden of proof. As a result, the court mandated the plaintiff to prove that the statement, "You all know well that the third president lost more than $100 million at casinos, particularly in Baden-Baden," is indeed a factual assertion about the plaintiff, meaning it contains specific and clear information regarding certain actions and is not abstract.

The media outlet further reported that the plaintiff must also prove that factual claims about him were made publicly. The defending party must demonstrate that the aforementioned statement is justified by a prevailing public interest and must also prove that the presented factual data corresponds to reality.

The court hearing was postponed until March 18.

A lawsuit has been filed against Khachatur Sukiasyan, demanding the refutation of information that tarnishes the honor and reputation of Armenia's third president Serge Sargsyan. The basis for the lawsuit is Sukiasyan's statement made on August 25 near the National Assembly podium, alleging that "the 3rd president lost over $100 million at casinos." In addition to Khachatur Sukiasyan, the Republic of Armenia, represented by the National Assembly staff, is also listed as a defendant in this case.