Former Armenian Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan Brought to Court on a Stretcher as Prosecutors Seek Detention

Former Armenian Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan was brought into court on a stretcher Tuesday as prosecutors sought his pretrial detention in a newly launched criminal case, prompting his lawyers to accuse authorities of endangering the 71-year-old former official's life and health.

Khachatryan, who also served as chairman of Armenia's State Revenue Committee, appeared before the court after investigators detained him and carried out searches as part of the case, according to the Investigative Committee.

The Prosecutor General's Office has charged Khachatryan with accepting bribes, misappropriation of funds, unlawful alienation of property and concealing the criminal origin of money.

Footage released by Khachatryan's legal team shows National Security Service officers transporting him into the courthouse on a stretcher.

In a statement, the defense said all available domestic legal avenues to protect Khachatryan's life and health have been "effectively exhausted."

The lawyers said Khachatryan was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2015 and urgently needs surgery that they claim cannot be performed in Armenia because of the lack of specialized medical personnel and equipment.

They also alleged that his health has significantly deteriorated during the investigation.

"In the past three months alone, he has twice been transported on a stretcher in a semi-conscious state to participate in investigative proceedings," the legal team said. "Despite his extremely serious health condition, the proceedings have continued for days, causing severe physical suffering."

The Prosecutor General's Office has rejected claims that Khachatryan is medically unable to participate in the proceedings, saying a medical commission concluded that he does not have a condition preventing him from taking part in procedural actions.

Khachatryan led Armenia's State Revenue Committee from 2008 to 2014 before serving as finance minister from 2014 to 2016.

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