‘Authorities create grounds for future raid on Catholicos’ residence’ – lawyer on today’s arrests

Lawyer Sergey Harutyunyan told reporters outside the Yerevan Investigative Department that he has been trying to enter the building of the Investigative Committee through different entrances for over an hour, but he is not allowed in without any valid reasons.

“They have found legally owned weapons, and they are going to present them to the public, claiming that there is a high probability that the arrested intended to use them to commit some terrorist acts. This way they will try to distract people from the shameful documents or promises and create grounds for a future raid on the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians,” the lawyer said.

When asked if he expects any reaction from the Human Rights Defender, Harutyunyan said, “I don’t have any expectations, especially considering the activities of recent years. Perhaps we will hear appeals or statements, but no more than that.”