ArmInfo. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has consented to the initiation of criminal proceedings against Narek Karapetyan, a member of the "Strong Armenia" bloc's political council. Aram Vardevanyan, lawyer and representative of the "Strong Armenia" bloc, told journalists outside the CEC building in Yerevan on July 22.
However, the lawyer clarified that this does not yet mean that Karapetyan has been stripped of his parliamentary immunity. Vardevanyan explained that the concept of immunity consists of two components: the prohibition on bringing charges and the restriction of liberty. "They received consent to file charges and initiate criminal proceedings. As for imprisonment, this issue will be discussed further at the hearing after 3:30 PM," the lawyer explained.
He also assured that the defense presented compelling counterarguments during the hearing against stripping Karapetyan of immunity. "I would like to point out that Narek Karapetyan holds parliamentary status. During the hearing, we presented both components of the case-the legal and the political. However, we did not see any counterarguments from the Prosecutor General's Office. Their position was that they could file such motions. Whether this will lead to any consequences will become clear later," the lawyer concluded.
Recall, on July 21, Vardevanyan reported that the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia had submitted a motion to the Central Election Commission to strip Narek Karapetyan of his immunity. According to Vardevanyan, they intended to submit a motion requesting time to review the case, but Karapetyan opposed the proposal. The lawyer also noted that members of parliament enjoy additional immunity. He added that parliament is there to override this immunity. The lawyer expressed his conviction that the attempt to strip Narek Karapetyan of his parliamentary immunity is an act of political absurdity and persecution aimed at undermining his work in the Armenian parliament.
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