Pashinian says he was in Armenia
Editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol Pashinian today announced in the Administrative Court that he had been in Armenia from February 26, 2008 to July 1, 2009.
Nikol Pashinian today contested the decision of the RA Police Passport and Visa Department not to grant him an affidavit attesting to the fact that he has resided in Armenia for the past five years. Pashinian needs the document to run in a parliamentary by-election. The Police stated that Pashinian had been in search and wasn't in the country at that period.
At today's court sitting Nikol Pashinian said he hadn't even thought of leaving the country during the above-mentioned period. "I seek to restore justice and constitutional order in my country which I couldn't do from any other country," said Nikol Pashinian and added: "I live in Armenia and I have a house in Ijevan. And it is still unclear on what grounds the police denied me the affidavit."
"Besides, if I had left the country my passport would have born entry and exit seals. I am simply surprised at the low intellect of our law-enforcers who are unable to distinguish between the simplest things."
In support to Pashinian's statement Advocate Lusine Sahakian showed a photograph of Pashinian and his wife which was taken on April 16, 2009.
The court is due to bring in a verdict on November 20.
