ArmInfo. The Office of the Ombudsman of Armenia responded to footage circulated online of security forces detaining former Finance Minister and former head of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia Gagik Khachatryan, who has health issues, and taking him to court on a stretcher.
A statement circulated on Facebook noted that, at the initiative of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, a discussion of the matter was immediately initiated. "At the request of the Ombudsman of Armenia, a visit to the penitentiary institution is currently underway to personally interview the individual and examine the circumstances surrounding the protection of their rights. "To clarify the main circumstances surrounding the matter, clarifications are required from the competent authorities," the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia stated.
According to the source, the Human Rights Defender's position will be presented after a full summary of the visit's findings, the clarifications received, and a review of all relevant circumstances. "Information subject to publication will be additionally provided by the Ombudsman's staff," the Office of the Human Rights Defender concluded.
As a reminder, by a decision of the Prosecutor General's Office dated August 29, 2026, the criminal case initiated on June 7, 2026, against the former Chairman of the State Revenue Committee within the framework of proceedings being reviewed by the Investigative Committee was amended and supplemented, and a new public criminal prosecution was initiated. Khachatryan was detained on September 1 after security forces searched his and his son's apartments, as well as the offices and branches of 21 affiliated companies. These actions were carried out as part of criminal proceedings for large-scale bribery and money laundering. On September 2, he was placed under arrest for two months.
On September 1, the lawyers for the former head of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia posted a video showing the ailing Khachatryan being literally dragged out of bed and placed on a stretcher to be taken to court. In court, the former minister was forced onto chairs, which his legal team characterized as further torture.
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