Armenian and Karabakh politicians bail out former president Robert Kocharyan

Four former prime ministers of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh requested the release of Robert Kocharyan from a SIZO (pre-trial prison) because of the threat of the coronavirus infection.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 9, the Robert Kocharyan's defence filed claims with the demand to release the former president from custody before the end of the pandemic. Robert Kocharyan is at risk because he is over 60 years old and he is diagnosed with health problems, advocates emphasize.

Each bailsman pledged to pay 500,000 drams (about 1032 US dollars) of bail and guaranteed the proper behaviour of Robert Kocharyan at large.

None of the bailsmen meets the criteria of a person who could influence Robert Kocharyan if he is free, notes advocate Tigran Yenokyan.

On March 7, Robert Kocharyan was transferred from the SIZO to a medical centre because of a sharp deterioration of his health state. However, in late April, Robert Kocharyan was returned to the SIZO.

Robert Kocharyan has claimed that at the SIZO, he has to contact dozens of people every week, although he is being kept in a separate cell.

Robert Kocharyan is to be kept in custody to prevent his interference in the investigation, a public prosecutor claims.

The court hearing was held amid a protest rally held by supporters of Robert Kocharyan.

"The hero of Artsakh is being illegally kept under arrest, and this is our shame," said Eduard Sharmazanov, the former vice speaker of the Armenian parliament, on the air of the "YerevanToday".