Spokesperson of the Minister of Defense of Armenia Shushan Stepanyan today posted the following on her Facebook page:

“The titles “Criminal Case Instituted Against Davit Tonoyan” are formulations that are aimed at misleading readers

Within the scope of powers reserved for him, Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan undertook relevant measures to implement the court’s lawful verdict to pay the monetary compensation for the unused annual leave of reserve officer Tsolak Khachatryan and the penalties calculated.

The verdict is called for ensuring enforcement of the law, and it takes certain time for implementation of the procedures established by law.

It should be mentioned that every part of the budget funds allocated to the Ministry of Defense are of functional significance and are envisaged for implementation of a specific program, including the expenses for meeting the requirements of Tsolak Khachatryan and other servicemen.

Not only with respect to Tsolak Khachatryan, but also with the purpose of ensuring enforcement of several other judicial acts in legal force, the Ministry of Defense was COMPELLED to reduce certain programs. For this purpose, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia redistributed budgetary funds in the prescribed manner in the spring. The relevant procedures have been implemented, and the verdict will be implemented.

As far as institution of the criminal case is concerned, the Ministry of Defense hasn’t been officially notified about this. In addition, a criminal case can’t be instituted against the minister, a criminal case can be instituted in relation to a fact. The minister of defense doesn’t have a procedural status under any case being investigated, even as a witness. The titles “Criminal Case Instituted Against Davit Tonoyan” are formulations that are aimed at misleading readers.”