The Dashnaktsutyun, Democracy and Homeland factions and the “Artsakhatun” parliamentary group of the NKR National Assembly have issued a statement in which they demand that the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation to change the measure of restraint against businessman Levon Hayrapetyan by releasing him from prison. Levon Hayrapetyan is under arrest in Russia. According to “ArmenPress”, the following is stated in the statement: “On July 15, 2014, Armenian businessman Levon Hayrapetyan was arrested in Moscow. By the petition of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the court selected a two-month detention as a measure of restraint against him and charged him with being involved in illegitimate economic activity.

We are guided by the presumption of innocence and refrain from giving political evaluations. Being a patriot, Levon Hayrapetyan has carried out several charity programs in his homeland Artsakh and has contributed to the social and economic development of our country for years.

We believe the preliminary investigative body must change the measure of restraint without delay and release him from prison, taking into consideration Levon Hayrapetyan’s health condition as well. In our opinion, by being in liberty, Levon Hayrapetyan, who is a law-abiding citizen and a civilized person, will support the preliminary investigation and will be of help to clarify the issues concerning the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.

We perceive the act as a painful misunderstanding and are certain that the Russian law-enforcement authorities will be able to conduct an objective and multifaceted investigation that will prove Levon Hayrapetyan’s innocence.”

On July 15, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation arrested Armenian businessman Levon Hayrapetyan, after which the Basman Court of Moscow detained Hayrapetyan by accepting the petition of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation as a basis.

The businessman is suspected of legalizing incomes received from criminals and money-laundering. According to the preliminary investigation, the crime was committed during a transaction between AFK Sistema and Bashneft in 2008, and Levon Hayrapetyan was also involved in that transaction. It is mention that Hayrapetyan had received a large amount of money after that transaction. The Armenian businessman refutes the above mentioned allegations, and his lawyer has already appealed the detention. The court still hasn’t taken a decision on the appeal. On July 25, the court will most likely present a charge against Hayrapetyan. Until then, several Armenian organizations of Russia have already expressed their support to the businessman, and the residents of Vank village have organized a petition in defense of Levon Hayrapetyan.

Armenpress.am