The Criminal Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Arsen Nikoghosyan, is considering a complaint against the decision of the court refusing to satisfy the request of Armenian second president Robert Kocharyan's attorneys to change the preventive measure.

The motion was submitted by attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan.

The trial kicked off with a discussion of the possibility of reporters being present as the trial room is not as big to ensure social distancing.

The judge announced a minute break for reporters to set equipment in the room as the presence of a large number of people is unacceptable. The judge also invited reporters not to jeopardize their own and others' health and suggested the option of recording in turn.

The judge read out a letter from the representative of the injured party Tigran Yegoryan, as the latter noted he was late informed about the meeting and asked him to postpone it.

Attorney Hayk Alumyan recalled that when discussing the subject of the appeal, the representatives of the injured party are not pursuing any legitimate interest. Therefore, his presence is not necessary. Lawyer Aram Vardevanyan noted that prosecutors are present, and their presence is sufficient.

Hovhannes Khudoyan presented the main points of the complaint. It raises several issues: the refusal to replace Kocharyan's arrest with bail is unfounded, and the refusal to release him under a personal guarantee is not explained.

The judge recalled that personal guarantee was provided by four former officials.

Attorney Hayk Alumyan noted that since the institution of personal guarantee in Armenia is not yet very developed and therefore causes some misunderstanding.

The next trial will be held Wednesday at 1:30 pm.