Armenia Catholicos urges release of ex-President Kocharyan from jailApril 14, 2020 - 21:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has urged the authorities to release former President Robert Kocharyan, citing recommendations from doctors to safeguard Kocharyan against health complications amid the coronavirus pandemic. Kocharyan, who was the President of Armenia in 1998–2008, is accused of overthrowing the constitutional order and money laundering. The first case is related to the crackdown on peaceful protesters marching against the results of the presidential election in March 2008. At the time, ten people were killed in clashes between protesters and the police, about 200 were injured. At the end of August 2018, the court released Kocharyan on bail but he was incarcerated again on December 7 of 2019. The Catholicos believes that a person’s life was given to them by God, and that caring for them is everyone’s responsibility. Given the spreading pandemic, the Catholicos said, special attention is paid around the world to persons in captivity, “and welcome measures are being taken to free people who do not pose a threat to the society," in order to avoid infection. Armenia has extended the state of emergency by 30 days until May 14. So far, 1067 people have tested positive for Covid-19, 265 people have recovered, 16 have died in the country. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |