ECHR to consider on a priority basis appeal of Vahan Shirkhanyan
Health condition of former Deputy Defense Minister Vahan Shirkhanyan, who has been in custody since December, 2015, along lines of the case of Nork Marash armed group, continues to remain critical. According to the words of his advocate Hayk Alumyan, before detention Mr Shirkhanyan had enviable health for his age, but during the months of detention he has acquired several types of disability. Yesterday the court hearing was postponed for the third time, as Vahan Shirkhanyan hadn’t been provided a necessary stretcher to come to the court, “They intentionally refuse to provide him a stretcher or a wheelchair, but Mr Shirkhanyan cannot attend court hearings in any other way,” said Alumyan. He says that it isn’t beneficial for the people, who had ordered to detain Shirkhanyan, so that he speak, “As you know, Mr Shirkhanyan wanted to meet with journalists, as he had something important to tell them; but the meeting was hindered, and later all the meetings with him were prohibited,” noted the advocate, adding that Shirkhanyan doesn’t want to publish what he wants to say in a letter, as the letter may be censored. The advocate added that the HRD office is also aware of Vahan Shirkhanyan’s health condition. What’s more, in its report the HRD office noted that all the people responsible for Shirkhanyan’s health condition must be held accountable, “Volumes are written on Mr. Shirkhanyan’s health condition in the prison and if you read them, you will get an impression that he is completely healthy and even can play football with Armenian national team, but the reality is different. The report of the HRD office states that Vahan Shirkhanyan’s right to heath has been violated,” said Alumyan, adding that they have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. “There is a decision at the ECHR to consider that appeal on a priority basis. In all probability, the ECHR will again set a large fine for the RA.” To note, the next court hearing is scheduled on January 27.
