Putin wishes detained Armenian former president strength, resilience

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, wishing him good health, strength of spirit and resilience in the face of the challenges he is currently facing, according to the Kremlin.

Putin said Russia does not forget his personal contribution to developing friendly and allied ties between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“Russia does not forget your personal contribution to developing friendly and allied ties between our countries. I sincerely wish you good health, strength of spirit and resilience in the face of the challenges you and your family members are currently facing,” he noted.

Kocharyan has been in detention for two months in connection with a criminal case involving the alleged embezzlement of state property.

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 Bakhtiyar Abbasov