Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan arrested for two months

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has been remanded in custody for two months following a ruling by a judge at Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court.

The decision was issued after a lengthy seven-hour hearing chaired by Judge Sargis Dadoyan. Kocharyan was taken to hospital overnight after his health deteriorated, reportedly on doctors’ orders. The court proceedings subsequently continued without his direct participation, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Kocharyan is accused of illegally acquiring property in collusion with several associates. According to investigators, during his presidency he allegedly used his official position to acquire a number of socially and economically significant properties at prices below their market value.

The case also involves Kocharyan’s son, Sedrak Kocharyan, who was previously arrested under a court order.

Six people, including Robert Kocharyan, his son and other individuals, have been detained as part of the criminal proceedings.

Kocharyan served as Armenia’s president from 1998 to 2008.

By Vugar Khalilov