Blogger Lapshin challenges Belarus-initiated arrest warrant

PanARMENIAN.Net - Blogger Alexander Lapshin has filed a lawsuit with Armenia’s Administrative Court seeking a complete cancellation of the search order applied against him. His lawyer, Eduard Aghajanyan, informed Pastinfo of the development.

Lapshin was twice detained at Zvartnots Airport, then released, over a Belarus-initiated international alert.

Several months ago, in response to recurring detentions, Lapshin filed requests with the National Security Service (NSS) and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia to seek clarifications. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, Armenian authorities included Lapshin in the police database following a search request from Belarusian law enforcement. However, as the Belarusian side failed to provide proper documentation, no decision to detain him was made.

The NSS responded to Lapshin stating that he had already received an explanation from the Prosecutor General's Office. Regarding an alleged threat of violence from an NSS officer, the agency noted that an internal investigation is underway.

Subsequently, Lapshin petitioned the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Armenia to fully remove the Belarus-initiated search order from Armenian jurisdiction.

Lawyer Eduard Aghajanyan confirmed they had received a response from the MIA.

"Partial removal of the search alert has been achieved, but that's not enough. 'Partial' means Lapshin could still face issues upon future entry into Armenia. Therefore, we've appealed to the Administrative Court demanding full termination of the alert within Armenia," the lawyer stated.