YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Members of the National Democratic Union and the National Assembly Arshak Sadoyan and Albert Baghdassarian became familiarized with the charges brought against them–after the two came out of hiding earlier this week from remaining in hiding after the Sept. 25–1996 post-presidential elections events.
Both are accused with mass disturbances (count 74 of the Armenian Criminal Code). Sadoyan and Baghdassarian are being questioned by investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office Gagik Khachikian and Gevorg Tovmassian.
The attorney for both defendants Tigran Janoyan said that a protocol–certifying that the defendants turned up at the law enforcement agency voluntarily had been drawn up. Janoyan stressed that the defendants did not escape–but were hiding as they had no guarantees that the law would be observed–if they were caught.
Prior to this–Sadoyan was charged with high treason–terrorist act and plotting actions aimed at the overthrow of the government. However–later on all these charges were dismissed.
Janoyan believes that now an arrest–which was chosen as a punishment for both defendants–may be changed into a written undertaking not to leave their place of residence.
Prior to the start of the investigation–the defendants were received by Prosecutor General Henrik Khachatrian–who said he was satisfied that they voluntarily came to the Prosecutor.