ECHR rejects jailed ex-tax chief Gagik Khachatryan’s request for interim measure

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rejected on September 24 a request submitted by jailed former Armenian tax chief Gagik Khachatryan for an interim measure under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court.

Khachatryan had applied to the ECHR, asking the Court to oblige the Government of Armenia to lift the pre-trial detention measure imposed on him and not restrict his liberty in any way, stop the practice of transporting him on a stretcher, ensure the effective exercise of his right to receive medical care, lift the travel ban imposed on him, and allow him to travel to the Federal Republic of Germany for medical treatment.

In response to an inquiry from Armenpress, the Office of the Representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Matters said that the ECHR had communicated the request to the Government of Armenia, referring relevant questions to the parties and giving them an opportunity to present their positions.

“After receiving the responses submitted by the Office of the Representative on International Legal Matters and the applicant, the ECHR decided to fully reject Gagik Khachatryan’s request for an interim measure. Thus, within the framework of Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, the ECHR did not see a need to apply an interim measure concerning the requests submitted,” the Office emphasized.

Gagik Khachatryan, 71, served as chairman of the State Revenue Committee from 2008 to 2014 and as finance minister from 2014 to 2016 under then-President Serzh Sargsyan. He was arrested earlier this month in a major bribery and money laundering investigation.

Footage of the arrest released by the former official’s legal team sparked controversy, as he was seen groaning in pain as officers moved him from his bed onto a stretcher before taking him to court.

Another video showed Khachatryan lying on several chairs pushed together at the pretrial investigation body, reportedly due to poor health. His lawyers claimed he was tortured.

However, the Prosecutor’s Office earlier said a medical examination found that Khachatryan had no health problems preventing him from participating in procedural actions.