The Police of Armenia have instituted a criminal case against leader of VETO movement Narek Malian.

In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, Malian’s defense attorney Tigran Atanesyan said it is assumed that the testimonies of ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan and Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Harutyun Marutyan served as a ground for institution of a criminal case against Malian.

“The police said there was a threat to life, and Narek Malian supposedly posted a photo of a passport on his page. They also stated there was release of personal data. Yes, Malian posted a photo of a passport, but that’s not personal secret,” Atanesyan said.

Asked if Malian has been interviewed, Atanesyan said Malian has refused to testify.

“The institution of a criminal case is unlawful, and therefore, it’s clear that there is no legal procedure and no sense in participating in this,” Atanesyan said.