Levon Kocharyan, Son of Former Armenian President, Released from Prison; Assumes Parliamentary Role

Levon Kocharyan, the son of Armenia's former President Robert Kocharyan and husband of famed Armenian artist Sirusho, has been released from Nubarashen Penitentiary in Yerevan, marking his return to public life. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia allocated a parliamentary mandate to Levon Kocharyan, a decision that has stirred considerable attention and discussion within the country's political sphere.

Kocharyan, who had been incarcerated for nearly two months, received the parliamentary mandate during a session convened by the CEC. This decision follows the precedent set by the Constitutional Court regarding other deputies facing criminal prosecution. Legal experts and Kocharyan's defense team believe that his parliamentary status could lead to his release, based on similar cases in the past.

The vacancy in the National Assembly arose after Armen Charchyan, a member of the opposition "Armenia" Faction, voluntarily relinquished his parliamentary seat several days ago. Following his resignation, the next three candidates on the proportional representation electoral list of the "Armenia" bloc, including Levon Kocharyan, submitted applications for self-revocation to the CEC.

Levon Kocharyan's return to the political arena raises questions about the future trajectory of Armenian politics, considering his family's influential political legacy. Kocharyan's detention stemmed from an incident during an opposition protest in Yerevan on September 22, during which he was accused of assaulting a police officer. Kocharyan vehemently denies these allegations and maintains that he was a victim of police violence.

The Armenian public now waits in anticipation for the response from both the "Armenia" Faction and Kocharyan's legal team following his release. Meanwhile, speculation abounds about potential political repercussions, as the Prosecutor General's Office has the authority to seek Levon Kocharyan's re-arrest by appealing to the National Assembly and requesting the removal of his parliamentary immunity.

The unfolding situation continues to capture the nation's attention, as Armenia observes the return of Levon Kocharyan to the political arena, sparking discussions about the impact on the country's political landscape and the upcoming parliamentary sessions.