22/07/2014 21:15
NKR parliament deputies call for immediate release of Levon Hayrapetyan
The factions and deputy groups of the National Assembly of Nagorno Karabakh Republic issued a statement in connection with the arrest of well-known businessman and public figure Levon Hayrapetyan in Moscow, according to the press service of NKR parliament.
The statement reads:
“Businessman of Armenian descent Levon Hayrapetyan was detained in Moscow on July 15, 2014. Based on a petition of Russia’s Investigative Committee, the court chose a two-month arrest as a measure of restraint for him. He is accused of illegal economic activity.
We are guided by the presumption of innocence and also refrain from any political assessment. Being a patriot, Levon Hayrapetyan has for many years sponsored numerous charity programs in his homeland – Artsakh, promoting the socioeconomic development of our country.
We believe that the preliminary investigation body should immediately change the measure of restraint – arrest and release L. Hayrapetyan for health reasons.
We take the view that as a law-abiding citizen and a highly educated man, Levon Hayrapetyan, while at large, will fully assist with the preliminary investigation and help clarify the issues of interest to the Investigative Committee.
We believe that what has happened is a regrettable misunderstanding. We are sure that Russian law enforcement bodies will conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation, as a result of which Levon Hayrapetyan’s innocence will be proven”.
We would remind you that 65-year-old businessman was detained on July 15 at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport where he arrived from Nice. Evidence given by Igor Izmestyev, an ex-senator from Bashkiria currently serving a life term for particularly grave crimes, was a ground for Hayrapetyan’s detention.
On July 17 Basmanny court of Moscow sanctioned Hayrapetyan’s arrest until September 15. Besides, Bashneft Company’s shares in excess of 300 million rubles were seized as part of the criminal case.
Levon Hayrapetyan denies all charges against him.