Suren Khachatrian: My son defended himself and his family

Following the recent arrest of Karbakh war veteran, retired Colonel Vladimir Avetisian who was one of the initiators of the indefinite-term protests for better social conditions of Karabakh war veterans, many compare his case with the case of ex-governor of Syunik province Suren Khachatrian’s son and bodyguard. As is generally known, S. Khachatrian’s son and bodyguard were released, while the Investigation Service of the Defense Ministry believes that they fired in self-defense.

The correspondent of GALA TV spoke to Suren Khachatrian today to ask the ex-governor for his opinion about the veteran’s arrest as Khachatrian himself is also considered a participant of the Karabakh war.

When asked to express his opinion about the arrest of Vladimir Avetisian, S. Khachatrian replied: “I can’t interfere in the affairs of law enforcement bodies. To tell the truth, it is such a grave accusation that one doesn’t even want to speak about it. But is it possible to bring such charges against a veteran without grounds? It is not my problem, but the problem of law enforcers. It is a very difficult case”.

The correspondent of GALA TV told Suren Khachatrian that the mass media criticize the veteran’s arrest, especially against the backdrop of the recent release of his son and bodyguard.

Khachatrian interrupted the correspondent, saying:

“My son was defending himself and his family. I don’t know why Avetisian was arrested and on what charges. My son defended his family so you shouldn’t confuse the two cases. Let law enforcement bodies investigate the veteran’s case, it is quite a difficult case and I can’t answer you questions anymore”.