Former Supreme Judicial Council Chair Ruben Vardazaryan's defense team has requested the Anti-Corruption Court to summon several officials for questioning, including former Civil Contract MP and current Central Electoral Commission head Vahagn Hovakimyan, ruling party MP Narek Ghahramanyan, former acting SJC head Gagik Jhangiryan, and Marina Poghosyan.

The motion was presented by defense attorney Aram Orbelyan during a session presided over by Judge Vahe Dolmazyan, reports Pastinfo.

The defense argues that these individuals were aware of the criminal case in advance. Notably, the MPs referenced case materials during parliamentary discussions, and Jhangiryan allegedly urged Vardazaryan to resign, citing the criminal case—a move the defense interprets as political pressure.

Regarding Marina Poghosyan, Deputy NSS Director Andranik Simonyan reportedly stated in court, "Let's not become M. Poghosyan's chewing gum," which the defense cites as grounds for her questioning. Additionally, Poghosyan's involvement in vetting discussions at the SJC raises questions about her visits to the council's office and whether any meetings were recorded.

Vardazaryan has expressed readiness to testify in court.

He faces charges under Article 332, Part 3 of the former Criminal Code for allegedly obstructing justice through abuse of office. The case, based on a report by NSS Deputy Director Simonyan, was filed in September 2021 but remained in preliminary stages for a year. Judge Manvel Shahverdyan later transferred it to the Anti-Corruption Court, where it is now under Judge Dolmazyan's oversight.