The Anti-Corruption Court of Armenia, presided over by Judge Givi Hovhannisyan, rejected a motion to merge former President Serzh Sargsyan’s third criminal case with two ongoing proceedings, reports Factor.am .
The court ruled to maintain his current bail amount, AMD 30 million, and lifted the restriction on his ability to leave the country.
Defense attorney Amram Makinyan requested a closed hearing, citing the need to disclose classified information protected by law. The court granted the request, removing media and other attendees from the courtroom. The decision was revealed after the session concluded.
Sargsyan denies all charges brought against him.
According to the indictment, during his years in high-ranking government positions (2000–2018) and as chair of the Armenian-Russian Economic Commission, Sargsyan allegedly used his official position to assist businessman Mikhail Baghdasarov and his commercial entities.
Prosecutors claim that in return for lifting obstacles and providing favorable treatment, Sargsyan demanded and received property of substantial value, namely, a 22.5% stake in “Abit” LLC, which was later sold through a formal transaction to “LL Bimbo” company.
