Armenian court upholds house arrest for "Sacred Struggle" movement  supporter Arthur Sargsyan

ArmInfo. During a hearing at the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan on July 23, Judge Karen Farkhoyan upheld the house arrest of Arthur Sargsyan, a supporter of the "Sacred Struggle" movement and a member of the National Assembly of the Republic from the opposition "Armenia" faction.

Defense lawyer Aram Vardevanyan petitioned to lift the house arrest,  pointing out that Sargsyan is now a member of parliament of the 9th  convocation, meaning his freedom can only be restricted with the  consent of the National Assembly. "House arrest regarding Arthur  Sargsyan must be immediately revoked, given the decision of the  Constitutional Court, the Central Electoral Commission, and, in  particular, the deputy credential issued to him. I believe the court  can also cancel the bail, or at least reduce it," Vardevanyan stated.

The prosecutor disagreed with the defense's position, stating that he  believes it necessary to postpone the hearing of this matter until  August 2. As the prosecutor pointed out, Sargsyan is a member of  parliament of the 8th convocation, which has completed its term, and  simultaneously a member of parliament of the 9th convocation, whose  first session will take place on August 2.

In response, Vardevanyan drew attention to the Constitutional Court's  decision. According to the lawyer, the court does not stipulate that  a member of parliament must be released upon assuming his  parliamentary powers; rather, this must occur upon receiving his  status as a member of parliament. "That is, the court clearly states  that this should have occurred on July 21, 2026. Therefore, I urge  you to immediately accept the defense's motion," the lawyer noted.

Following a brief recess, the court delivered its verdict. "The  immunity of Arthur Sargsyan, whose status as an 8th-convocation  deputy remains in effect until August 2, has been overridden. The  court has decided to reject the defense's petition. The defense may  submit a new petition after August 2," Farkhoyan stated.

At the same time, the judge noted that Sargsyan will be permitted to  participate in the sessions of the 9th- convocation parliament,  accompanied by Probation Service officers.