Gagik Khachatryan's prolonged denial of medical care amounts to torture. attorney

On April 30, 2024, another court session concerning the case of Gagik Khachatryan took place at the
Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan. The session was held behind closed doors as the
court discussed issues related to Khachatryan's health. Gagik Khachatryan was brought to the court
accompanied by an emergency brigade. Throughout the court session, his pain intensified,
prompting doctors to administer injections to him regularly.

After the court session concluded, Khachatryan's attorney, Yerem Sargsyan, informed reporters
that he had once again pleaded with the court to authorize Gagik Khachatryan's travel for urgent
medical treatment abroad, specifically in facilities where he had previously undergone operations.
(Editorial note: Medical authorities in Armenia declined to operate on Khachatryan due to risks and
inadequate facilities.)

'For months, we've tirelessly advocated, presenting new evidence and medical conclusions to
affirm the straightforward truth: Gagik Khachatryan needs medical care unavailable within
Armenia. Despite our efforts, the prosecutor and the court demand further proof, disregarding prior
conclusions. Meanwhile, the European Court of Human Rights underscores the urgency of releasing
Khachatryan from detention and ensuring proper medical care due to his health condition. Yet,
even after his release, Khachatryan remains deprived of adequate medical attention. This failure to
comply with the ECHR decision constitutes state-sanctioned torture,' stated Yerem Sargsyan.
Sargsyan also referenced remarks made yesterday by General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan
regarding this criminal case.

“It seems the prosecutor's office has only one focus, and that's Gagik Khachatryan. When
questioned about the prolonged detention of the elected mayor of Vanadzor, Mamikon Aslanyan,
the prosecutor deflects by pointing to the lengthy proceedings in Khachatryan's case. Such
comparisons speak volumes. It's clear we're not witnessing a fair legal discourse when
incomparable criminal cases are equated”, - Yeream Sargsyan reflected.

Gagik Khachatryan and Karen Khachatryan stand accused of alleged abuse of official position,
misappropriation of property, and official forgery. Both individuals deny the charges leveled
against them. Furthermore, based on the evidence presented in the case, they have never attempted
to evade the investigation or impede its progress. In a display of transparency and cooperation,
Gagik Khachatryan interrupted his mandatory post-operative treatment in Germany in 2019 upon
receiving the investigator's initial phone call and promptly returned to Armenia, presenting himself
to the authorities overseeing the proceedings. Similarly, Karen Khachatryan voluntarily appeared in
court following the announcement of the detention verdict.