Saturday, August 22 2015 10:20

 "As a politician, I'd refrain from any assessments of the activity of my party colleagues before the law-enforcers make assessment of the alleged crimes of the Republican Party members Mher Sedrakyan and Ruben Hayrapetyan," Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament told reporters after a meeting of the Republican Party Board.

"Of course, we condemn any displays of violence and unlawful actions in our country. Nevertheless, we have repeatedly witnessed the case when media reports were not confirmed.  In this light, I urge journalists to refrain from any articles concerning Sedrakyan and Hayrapetyan before the law-enforcement publishes verified and confirmed information on it," the politician said.

Sharmazanov said Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has charged the law-enforcement to inquire into the incident.

Arsen Avetisyan, the director of Air Armenia Company, has been severely beaten up recently at the Football Federation of Armenia.  Earlier ArmInfo reported with a reference to Avetisyan's wife Isabella Melkumyan, saying Arsen Avetisyan, Air Armenia Director General, was confined at the Football Federation of Armenia. She said that Garnik Papikyan, the owner of Taron Avia Company, which Air Armenia owes to, appealed to FFA Head Ruben Hayrapetyan for support.  Avetisyan was forecefully taken to the FFA where he was severely beaten up by Ruben Hayrapetyan's bodyguards.  Avetisyan was hospitalized with fractures and cerebral concussion. Avetisyan has been released from hospital quote lately after staying there for 5 days. Papikyan left the country. 

A few days ago, Air Armenia Company sold 49% of its shares and looked to use the proceeds to re-launch the passenger fights in the main destinations. 
Ruben Hayrapetyan is said to have an interest in Taron Avia engaged in freight activity and seeking a license for passenger transportation. It is not the first case when Hayrapetyan, an oligarch and the head of FFA, settles his problems with unlawful methods by means of his personal guard. 

The public still remembers the incident when Hayrapetyan's bodyguards beat to death a major of the medical service of Armenia's Armed Forces at one of the tycoon's restaurants. No organization decision making followed that tragic incident.  One can only hope that this time the law-enforcement will respond adequately to the beating and kidnapping of the company head. It appears that this time Hayrapetyan has also managed to come off clear.