YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Yuri Vardanyan does not interfere with his son’s trial, Vardanyan himself told Armenian News-NEWS.am on Thursday.

“I have not interfered, and will not interfere, with the judicial process. I say with all honesty, he will serve his appropriate punishment,” the minister said.

Charges were brought against Davit Vardanyan—son of Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Yuri Vardanyan—for acquiring hashish in Iran, and attempting to smuggle it into Armenia. Vardanyan had informed that he had acquired the drug solely for personal use. He was arrested and a criminal case was opened against him, on charges of illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and smuggling.