Armenian court convicts former MP Akopyan for calling violent power grab

Former Armenian parliamentarian Ruben Akopyan has been found guilty of calling for the violent seizure of power, his lawyer Grigor Mgdesyan confirmed.

Mgdesyan added that the defense argues that the court’s decision restricts freedom of speech and plans to appeal the verdict, Caliber.Az reports via Sputnik Armenia.

“The verdict limits political speech and criticism, which should not happen in a democratic society. The state must be tolerant, especially toward political figures, allowing sharp critique,” he said.

The case against Akopyan, based on Part 2 of Article 422 of the Armenian Criminal Code—calling for violent seizure of power and overthrow of the constitutional order using media—was submitted to court on August 8. He was released under a travel ban on August 27.

A four-term parliamentarian, Akopyan also served as Armenia’s consul general in Saint Petersburg from 2000 to 2008.

By Jeyhun Aghazada