Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan's attorney Aram Vardevanyan told reporters that social distancing requirement is being ignored during Kocharyan and others trial.

“It seems the prosecution is not aware of COVID-19 dangers,” the lawyer noted adding that prosecutors do not keep social distancing even while having the opportunity.

Kocharyan's another attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan, in turn, noted that the defense only requires compliance with the rules established by the commandant’s office.

Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan and others' trial has been adjourned for a week.

During the last trial postponed, former CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov's attorney Mihran Poghosyan noted he had been in contact with the COVID-19 patient. During this trial, Poghosyan said he had no symptoms, except the fever. However, he has tested negative. 

Kocharyan's lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan suggested that the court resolve all technical issues before the next hearing.

Judge Anna Danibekyan said the existing technical problems cannot be resolved in a hurry. As a result, the judge adjourned the hearing for another week, on July 7.

After a long break, the trial did not take place on June 23, following Mihran Poghosyan's statement on being in contact with the COVID-19 infected. The hearing was rescheduled due to the absence of the lawyer.

Earlier, Danibekyan had adjourned the trial because the ex-president had undergone surgery, and former defense minister Seyran Ohanyan’s attorneys had tested positive for COVID-19.

While the trial was adjourned, the Criminal Court of Appeal had ruled to release Robert Kocharyan on bail of 2 billion drams—more than US$4 million.